France’s financial crisis is serious, according to Prime Minister François Bayrou, who is facing a confidence vote that he is likely to lose. He pointed out that France’s deficit is nearly double the EU’s allowed limit of 3% and that public debt has reached 113.9% of GDP.

Bayrou emphasized that despite the government’s challenges, simply changing the government won’t solve the underlying financial issues. He warned lawmakers that spending will continue to rise and debt will become heavier.

Opposition parties disagree with Bayrou’s approach to addressing the debt and plan to vote against his minority government. Bayrou described controlling spending as a matter of survival for the country and stressed that the government is in a precarious position at a time when unity is crucial due to external pressures from Russia, China, and the U. S. trade tensions.

He acknowledged that calling the confidence vote was a risky move, urging for clarity and unity to combat the divisions that threaten France’s reputation. The vote’s outcome is expected later in the day.

WHAT’S NEXT?

If Bayrou loses his position, President Macron will need to find another government leader to manage the budget in parliament, following the earlier removal of Michel Barnier. Social tensions are rising as various groups online have urged the French people to “block everything” this Wednesday, alongside labor unions planning protests on September 18 against budget cuts.

The potential departure of a fourth premier in under two years highlights France’s political troubles. Macron has faced challenges in a divided parliament, a departure from the stable governance expected under the Fifth Republic’s constitution.

TILT TO THE LEFT?

Macron has ruled out dissolving parliament, following a divided outcome in the recent snap election. Observers suggest he may seek a candidate from the centre-left Socialists to replace the fallen prime ministers. However, this candidate will face challenges in forming a coalition with Macron’s liberal bloc, which opposes many leftist ideas.

with information from Reuters