French Opposition Parties Refuse to Back Prime Minister Bayrou’s Budget Cuts
In a bold move, Prime Minister François Bayrou of France called for a vote of confidence on 8 September to push forward deep budget cuts, despite opposition from various parties.
Bayrou, leading a minority government since December, stated that France was at a critical juncture and emphasized the need for action to address the mounting budget deficit. However, opposition parties from the right to the left, including the National Rally, Socialists, Greens, and France Unbowed, declared their intent to vote against him.
The decision to call the vote just two days before nationwide protests aimed at halting government initiatives sparked further controversy. The “Bloquons tout” movement, gaining momentum on social media and supported by unions and the far left, emerged in response to Bayrou’s proposed €44bn budget cuts announced in July.
Following news of the vote, France’s CAC-40 share index saw a decline of 1.59% on Monday and an additional 2% drop on Tuesday morning. Finance Minister Eric Lombard emphasized the need for collective action to prepare a budget for recovery in 2026.
With last year’s budget deficit hitting 5.8% of France’s GDP, Bayrou urged parliament to select a path that would steer the country away from financial crisis. However, opposition from key political parties and public pushback against budget cuts pose a significant challenge to Bayrou’s government.
The future of Bayrou’s administration remains uncertain, as he faces strong opposition in the National Assembly. Leaders from various parties, including the National Rally, Communists, Ecologists, and France Unbowed, have expressed their intent to vote against the government, signaling a tough road ahead for Bayrou.
