French Prime Minister François Bayrou has admitted that his efforts to secure support for a confidence vote scheduled on September 8 may not succeed. In a recent interview, he expressed doubts about the possibility of compromise, saying that while compromise is ideal, it may no longer be achievable.
Bayrou’s government, which took office in December 2024, faces strong opposition to its €44 billion austerity plan, including spending cuts and tax increases. Both far-right and far-left parties have rejected negotiations, and a recent poll shows that 63% of the public supports dissolving parliament and holding new elections.
President Emmanuel Macron, who appointed Bayrou, is weighing his options amid the political deadlock. While resignation is off the table, he could appoint a new prime minister or call for new elections, though any solution would likely face the same parliamentary divisions. The September 8 vote is expected to have major implications for both Bayrou’s future and the stability of Macron’s administration.
