French Prime Minister François Bayrou announced a confidence vote scheduled for September 8 on his unpopular budget plans, which could likely lead to the collapse of his centrist government and plunge France into a new period of political instability. Bayrou revealed plans last month to cut 44 billion euros in spending after France’s deficit reached 5.8% of GDP last year, far exceeding the EU’s official target of 3%. Opposition parties from the left and far-right have declared they will vote against the confidence motion. If the majority votes no, Bayrou and his ministers will have to resign, and President Emmanuel Macron will face the complex task of appointing a new prime minister for the third time within a year. The fragmented parliament, divided into three minority blocs after early legislative elections called by Macron in June last year, complicates governance.

Bayrou has held office since December and focuses mainly on domestic policies, while Macron retains significant powers over foreign affairs, European matters, and defense.