France faces political crisis as prime minister Bayrou resigns

Tuesday 09 September 2025 - 17:00

By: Sahili Aya

France faces political crisis as prime minister Bayrou resigns

The French government faces a deepening political crisis after Prime Minister François Bayrou resigned following a lost confidence vote. This resignation marks the third time France will have a new prime minister within a year.

President Emmanuel Macron announced that a new prime minister would be appointed in the coming days to form a government capable of passing a budget in a deeply divided parliament. Since last year’s snap election, the French parliament has remained split between left, center, and far-right parties, leaving no absolute majority.

On Monday night, around 11,000 protesters gathered in front of town halls across France, celebrating Bayrou’s departure with “Bye bye Bayrou” events. Many participants also planned further actions, including nationwide demonstrations and blockades scheduled for Wednesday, dubbed “Block Everything.” Authorities have mobilized 80,000 police officers to manage potential disruptions.

Bayrou, 74, served nine months in office before losing support over his debt-reduction budget plan. His predecessors, including Michel Barnier, also left office after disputes on financial policies. Political analysts warn that repeated changes in leadership threaten government stability.

Several candidates are under consideration for the next prime minister, including justice minister Gérald Darmanin, defense minister Sébastien Lecornu, former prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve, and finance minister Eric Lombard. Negotiations are expected to involve compromises between leftist and centrist factions to ensure a functioning government.