French PM Bayrou’s marathon talks unlikely to avert no-confidence vote
1911 Min Read
French Prime Minister François Bayrou is holding intensive talks with political leaders in a last-ditch attempt to prevent a no-confidence vote scheduled for 8 September, which threatens to topple his government. On Tuesday, Bayrou met representatives from several parties, including the centre-left Place Publique, far-right National Rally (RN), conservative Republicans (LR), the presidential bloc Renaissance, MoDem, and Horizons. Additional consultations with other groups are planned in the coming days.
Despite these efforts, the likelihood of swaying the political balance appears low. Most opposition parties, spanning the far left to the far right, have already announced they will vote against the government. Fractures are also emerging within Bayrou’s governing coalition. Several conservative MPs have indicated they will withhold support unless major revisions are made to the controversial 2026 budget plan, with figures like Laurent Wauquiez calling for significant changes.
On the left, the Greens and France Unbowed (LFI) have refused to participate in the talks, dismissing them as futile. Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure has publicly stated that Bayrou’s departure on 8 September is inevitable. Independent MPs from the LIOT group were initially seen as a potential lifeline, but the majority have signaled they will not back the prime minister.
