France Plunges into Turmoil as Prime Minister Loses Confidence Vote

François Bayrou, the head of a government that pushed the country into debt amid a severe economic crisis, was forced to step down after just nine months in office — leaving President Emmanuel Macron without a clear solution to France’s mounting national debt.

For the first time since 1958, a French prime minister has failed to secure a vote of confidence in parliament.

Bayrou is expected to present his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who is anticipated to accept it and appoint a new prime minister within days.

In his final address to lawmakers before the vote, Bayrou described his nine months as prime minister as a period of “profound happiness,” emphasizing that his government had worked “without a single crisis or tension,” and in an atmosphere of solidarity and friendship.

However, when National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet announced the result of the vote, lawmakers responded with enthusiastic applause.

Source: BBC News