The main French far-right party, National Rally (RN), on Thursday rejected a compromise proposed by Prime Minister François Bayrou over the national budget, calling it “too late” to negotiate a deal. Bayrou, facing mounting pressure, has staked his survival on a confidence vote scheduled for September 8, following months of deadlock over the government’s proposed spending cuts aimed at reducing France’s national debt.
What Happened
Bayrou, who took office in December 2024, has been struggling to push through the government’s budget amid opposition from both far-right and left-wing parties. He had hoped that talks with party leaders, which are set to begin on Monday, would pave the way for a consensus. However, RN deputy leader Sébastien Chenu dismissed the possibility of a deal, criticizing Bayrou for missing key opportunities to present a budget that “benefits the French people.”
Chenu’s comments, made during a television interview on TF1, reflected the deep frustration within the far-right camp. “The page has been turned. Dialogue is in the past,” he stated, emphasizing the long-standing deadlock.
Bayrou, in an attempt to salvage his position, said he was prepared to start talks but insisted that parties commit to saving measures to reduce France’s debt, which has been a point of contention. The prime minister’s earlier comment that he had not approached party leaders over the summer due to their “holiday” angered Chenu, who blasted the statement as “inadequate” and criticized Bayrou’s long tenure in politics.
What Happens Next?
Bayrou faces an uphill battle. Should he lose the confidence vote on September 8, he and his entire government will be required to resign. While President Emmanuel Macron could choose to reappoint him, some speculate that Macron may opt for a new leader to replace Bayrou. Alternatively, Macron could call for early legislative elections to resolve the ongoing political impasse.
However, Bayrou warned that snap elections might not bring the stability that the French government needs, especially after the summer 2024 elections left the RN as the largest single party in parliament. Public opinion, however, seems to support the idea of early elections, with multiple opinion polls indicating significant backing for a new round of legislative voting.
Bayrou’s Focus: Young People and Debt Reduction
Despite the bleak outlook, Bayrou stressed the importance of reducing France’s growing national debt, particularly for the benefit of future generations. He referred to the debt as a burden left by the post-war “boomers” and emphasized the need for reform to ensure that younger French citizens are not saddled with an insurmountable financial load.
Bayrou’s gamble comes amid growing opposition from the left-wing, which is backing the anti-austerity campaign “Bloquons tout” (“Let’s block everything”). This nationwide movement, which has been gaining momentum, is calling for a shutdown on September 10 to protest austerity measures.
Closing
As the September 8 confidence vote approaches, the political fate of Prime Minister Bayrou remains uncertain. With mounting opposition and dwindling support, his ability to navigate this crisis could determine the future direction of France’s government. This story may be updated with more information as it develops.
