The French government fell this evening (Monday) after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a no-confidence vote he initiated in the National Assembly by a majority of 364 to 194.
Bayrou, 74, became President Emmanuel Macron's fourth prime minister to be ousted in the past 20 months. He was appointed by Macron less than nine months ago.
The Elysee Palace issued a statement stating that President Macron will appoint a new prime minister in the coming days.
Bayrou initiated the vote of confidence against the backdrop of unpopular proposals he made for the 2026 budget. The opposition parties declared in advance that they would vote to dismiss him, and the predictions that the government would fall came true.
Even before the vote, Macron declared that if Bayrou were to be ousted, he would not dissolve parliament but would try to appoint an alternative prime minister.
The estimates are that the new choice will be a candidate from the French center-left.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Front, called in a pre-vote debate for Macron to call new elections.
The French president's decision not to dissolve parliament could put a lot of pressure on him - as he will have to hold snap elections.
Macron will now have to form a new coalition and announce a new prime minister, in a complex political situation in which the opposition from the right and left threatens the stability of any government that is formed.
Join the Haredim 10 Facebook page >>
Join the X page of Haredim 10 >>
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
