French Parliament Ousts Second Prime Minister in Less Than a Year
The French government is once again in turmoil as Prime Minister François Bayrou was ousted in a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly, marking the second prime minister removed within just nine months.
Lawmakers voted 364-194 against Bayrou’s controversial proposal to slash next year’s budget by €44 billion ($51 billion), fueling widespread anger over austerity measures.
Macron Under Pressure
Following Bayrou’s dismissal, the Élysée Palace confirmed that President Emmanuel Macron will appoint a new prime minister “in the coming days.”
But opposition leaders are already calling for Macron’s resignation. Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon declared:
“Bayrou has fallen. Victory and relief for the people. Macron is now on the front line — he too must go.”
This move leaves Macron searching for his fifth prime minister in just 20 months, highlighting the instability within France’s divided parliament.
Second PM Removed in Nine Months
- François Bayrou (ousted September 2025)
- Michel Barnier (ousted December 2024)
Before these two removals, France had not seen a successful vote of no-confidence since 1962.
Far-Right & Economic Crisis
The far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, continues to gain momentum amid France’s cost-of-living crisis and rising anti-immigrant sentiment.
Le Pen, though facing a conviction appeal, said before the vote:
“This is a collapse for the country, a disaster for the French people… its consequences will affect future generations.”
Economic Challenges Ahead
France’s budget deficit hit 5.8% of GDP in 2024, far above the EU’s 3% target. With rising interest rates and declining investor confidence, analysts warn that political instability will only worsen the economic outlook.
Experts believe the crisis could last until 2027, when a new president will be elected and likely call for fresh parliamentary elections.
Conclusion
The ousting of François Bayrou highlights the deep divisions in France’s parliament and raises questions about Macron’s ability to govern. With two prime ministers removed in less than a year, the French government faces an unprecedented period of instability, leaving the nation’s economic future uncertain.