Overthrow in the National Assembly: François Bayrou's vote of confidence lost

In a bustling assembly, the French government, led by Acting Prime Minister François Bayrou, faced a vote of confidence on Monday, September 8. The outcome was not in Bayrou's favour, with 194 votes in favour and 364 against, marking the second consecutive head of government to be ousted following Michel Barnier.

Bayrou compared the country's financial situation to a "silent, underground, invisible, and unbearable hemorrhage", highlighting the dire straits France finds itself in. He stated that France currently has 3,415 billion euros of debt.

The event saw strong reactions from political groups. Boris Vallaud, president of the PS group in the National Assembly, indicated that his party is ready to take on responsibilities if given the opportunity. Vallaud also suggested that the PS is prepared to implement proposals formulated after the government's overthrow.

Sébastien Chenu, vice-president of the RN and president of the RN group in the National Assembly, called for the dissolution of the National Assembly and for Emmanuel Macron to step down. The RN, in the wake of the vote results, demanded dissolution, while the PS expressed readiness to govern.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, though not a deputy, participated in the assembly. Some members of the National Assembly, including Laurent Wauquiez, voted for Bayrou's government with moderation and without enthusiasm.

President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, awaits the resignation of Acting Prime Minister François Bayrou and the dissolution of the government. Macron, a former high-ranking civil servant, investment banker, and founder of the political movement En Marche!, has a presidency characterized by pro-European reforms and significant political events in France.

Yael Braun-Pivet, president of the National Assembly, announced the vote results. François Bayrou welcomed the vote of confidence as a "test of truth as head of government". Bayrou was informed that he would likely lose his post at 3 pm.

As France navigates through this political turbulence, the future of its government and the country's financial stability remain uncertain.