French Parliament Ousts Prime Minister Amid Budget Dispute and Political Turmoil

French Parliament Ousts Prime Minister Amid Budget Dispute and Political Turmoil
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France’s government faced renewed instability on Monday as lawmakers voted to remove Prime Minister François Bayrou, NBC News reported. The National Assembly passed a motion of no confidence with 364 votes against Bayrou and 194 in favor, rejecting his proposal to cut approximately €44 billion ($51 billion) from next year’s budget amid growing economic concerns.

President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister “in the coming days,” according to a statement from the Élysée Palace. Bayrou’s ousting marks the second time in nine months that a French prime minister has been dismissed, following Michel Barnier’s removal in December, and highlights the challenges Macron faces governing a deeply divided legislature.

Opposition leaders called for Macron’s resignation, while France prepares for nationwide anti-government protests this Wednesday. Macron, barred by term limits from running in 2027, contends with rising far-right influence and voter dissatisfaction over the cost-of-living crisis and public debt.

Experts warn the political instability complicates efforts to address France’s budget deficit, which reached 5.8% of GDP last year—well above the EU target of 3%—raising concerns about higher interest rates, credit ratings, and public service funding. Analysts predict the crisis may persist until the next presidential election in 2027.