French Prime Minister François Bayrou has said parliament has 13 days to choose between chaos or responsibility, after calling a vote of confidence on plans for deep budget cuts.
Bayrou, who has led a minority government since last December, stated he would fight like a dog to win the September 8 vote amidst France's growing budget deficit. Opposition parties have already declared their intent to vote against him, including the far-right National Rally and various left-wing factions.
The vote comes shortly before anticipated protests aimed at disrupting government functions, organized by the Bloquons tout movement, which has gained traction following the announcement of nearly €44 billion in budget cuts.
This budgetary crisis saw France's CAC-40 share index dip following news of the vote, reflecting unease in the markets regarding the stability of Bayrou's administration. Finance Minister Eric Lombard has emphasized the need to develop a budget for recovery while Bayrou's budget proposal includes cutting two national holidays.
If Bayrou loses the confidence vote, the implications for President Macron could be considerable, forcing a decision whether to maintain Bayrou as a caretaker prime minister, appoint a successor, or risk new elections. Such turbulence could lead to further instability within the French political system as accusations of mismanagement and economic failure are hurled between party leaders.
Bayrou, who has led a minority government since last December, stated he would fight like a dog to win the September 8 vote amidst France's growing budget deficit. Opposition parties have already declared their intent to vote against him, including the far-right National Rally and various left-wing factions.
The vote comes shortly before anticipated protests aimed at disrupting government functions, organized by the Bloquons tout movement, which has gained traction following the announcement of nearly €44 billion in budget cuts.
This budgetary crisis saw France's CAC-40 share index dip following news of the vote, reflecting unease in the markets regarding the stability of Bayrou's administration. Finance Minister Eric Lombard has emphasized the need to develop a budget for recovery while Bayrou's budget proposal includes cutting two national holidays.
If Bayrou loses the confidence vote, the implications for President Macron could be considerable, forcing a decision whether to maintain Bayrou as a caretaker prime minister, appoint a successor, or risk new elections. Such turbulence could lead to further instability within the French political system as accusations of mismanagement and economic failure are hurled between party leaders.
