French Prime Minister Bayrou experiences defeat in confidence vote

France is bracing for a period of political instability after Prime Minister François Bayrou tendered his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. The move comes following a vote of no confidence in Bayrou's government, which failed to secure the necessary support in the National Assembly.

Bayrou, who led a centrist-right cabinet in a minority government, had initiated the "test of truth" vote, stating that the greatest risk was not taking it and continuing without anything changing. A total of 364 deputies voted against the government, while only 194 deputies expressed their confidence.

The presidency was not at stake in this vote, but it is a setback for the head of state. Macron will appoint a new prime minister in the coming days, marking the sixth change in just over three and a half years. President Emmanuel Macron announced his decision to ask for deputies' confidence two weeks ago, surprising all ministers and opponents.

The opposition from left and green parties, the far-right Rassemblement National (RN), and even some within Bayrou's own ranks desired to topple him after nine months in office. Without a minimum consensus, Bayrou could not continue his mission.

As France prepares for a new prime minister, the country is also gearing up for a series of protests and strikes. The internet-initiated protest movement "Bloquons tout" will begin on Wednesday, aiming to paralyze the country, and unions will call for a day of strikes just over a week later.

The far-right RN had hoped for a dissolution of the National Assembly by Macron, leading to new elections, despite Marine Le Pen's ineligibility due to a conviction and ban. However, Macron aims to secure basic support for his strict austerity course, requiring a savings of 43.8 billion euros to reduce the deficit from 5.8 percent to 4.6 percent.

The Socialists have expressed interest in cooperation, demanding the withdrawal of the pension reform and higher taxation of the super-rich, which have been taboo for Macron so far. France has not presented a balanced budget for 51 years, and French government bond yields have risen sharply. The agency Fitch will publish its credit rating outlook for the country on Friday.

As the political landscape in France shifts, the new prime minister will face the challenge of passing a budget through a deeply divided parliament. The incoming leader, rumoured to be Sébastien Lecornu, the current Defense Minister and a close confidant of Macron, will need to navigate this turbulent political waters with deftness and diplomacy.

François Bayrou reacted calmly to the end of his short career as French Prime Minister, while Bayrou warned that France's "survival" is at stake if nothing is done. The coming weeks will be critical for France as it navigates its political and economic challenges.