French President Emmanuel Macron is preparing to announce the name of a new prime minister within days, following the collapse of François Bayrou’s government.
According to Le Figaro, as reported by The WP Times, the Élysée Palace confirmed that President Macron had “taken note” of the no-confidence vote in the National Assembly on 8 September, which brought down Bayrou’s cabinet. The official communiqué added: “The president will appoint a new prime minister in the coming days.
On Tuesday, Macron is expected to meet Bayrou in order to formally accept his government’s resignation. Bayrou, a veteran centrist, had only been appointed prime minister in December 2024.
A cycle of fragile governments
This is the second government in less than a year to fall under parliamentary pressure. Michel Barnier’s cabinet, appointed in September 2024, lasted just three months before succumbing to political deadlock in December.
The pattern highlights Macron’s struggle to govern effectively in the face of a fractured legislature. While foreign and security policy remain firmly under presidential control, the domestic agenda has repeatedly stalled.
Parliamentary arithmetic against Macron
Macron’s difficulties stem from the results of the snap parliamentary elections he called in June 2024. His centrist alliance was relegated to second place, overtaken by the left-wing New Popular Front. The far-right National Rally, meanwhile, secured third place but has continued to expand its influence.
None of the three blocs commands an outright majority. The result is a parliament where shifting alliances, fragile compromises and repeated confrontations with the government have become the norm.
What comes next
The resignation of Bayrou’s government once again puts the spotlight on Macron’s next move. The appointment of a new prime minister will not in itself solve the structural challenge of governing without a stable majority. For now, Macron must weigh political pragmatism against loyalty to his centrist camp as he chooses who will lead the next cabinet.
The Élysée insists an announcement will come “within days”, but the broader uncertainty over France’s direction is unlikely to be resolved quickly.
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