France’s PM Bayrou Survives Eighth No-Confidence Motion, But Government Remains Precarious

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has narrowly escaped his latest no-confidence vote in the National Assembly, surviving an eighth attempt since he took office in December 2024. Only 189 MPs supported the motion well below the 289 votes needed to unseat him after the far-right National Rally (RN) chose to abstain rather than side with left-wing opposition. 

The Socialist Party initiated the motion following the collapse of pension reform negotiations. Without RN support, however, the attempt to topple Bayrou failed. Despite the reprieve, Bayrou's hold on power remains fragile in a fragmented parliament echoing the instability that ended the tenure of his predecessor, Michel Barnier

Looking ahead, heightened tension is expected during the looming 2026 budget debates as the government plans €40 billion in spending cuts, and RN leader Jordan Bardella has already called for a parliamentary dissolution and fresh elections if measures stall.

Source: Reuters