Macron's Government Crumbles After Prime Minister Loses Confidence Vote

France's Government Collapses After Prime Minister Loses Confidence Vote PARIS — France's government collapsed on Monday after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly, marking the fourth time in 12 months that Macron has been forced to search for a new prime minister. Bayrou was ousted overwhelmingly in a 364-194 vote against him, with lawmakers seizing on the opportunity to gang up against the centrist who was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron last December. The vote was seen as a major blow to Bayrou's minority government, which had been struggling to pass key legislation and rein in France's mounting debt. Bayrou had called for a vote of confidence, hoping to win support for his plan to slash public spending and reduce the country's deficit. However, lawmakers from across the political spectrum rejected his proposal, citing concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations and the economy as a whole. "This is a major defeat for Prime Minister Bayrou and a significant setback for President Macron," said Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party. "We will continue to push for policies that benefit the people, not just the wealthy elite." Bayrou's government had been in office for just under nine months, making it one of the shortest-lived governments in French history. The prime minister's decision to call a vote of confidence was seen as a gamble that ultimately backfired. "This is a crisis of leadership and a failure of policy," said Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the right-wing Republicans party. "We need a new government with a clear vision for France's future." The collapse of Bayrou's government now obliges Macron to search for a fourth prime minister in 12 months. The president has vowed to continue pushing for reforms and austerity measures, despite the setback. "We will not be deterred by this vote," said a spokesperson for Macron's office. "We remain committed to our vision for France's future and will work tirelessly to pass key legislation." The impact of Bayrou's ouster on the French economy remains uncertain, but analysts warn that the country's debt crisis is far from over. "This vote does not solve the underlying problems facing France," said economist Pierre-Yves Korer. "We need a new government with a clear plan for reducing debt and stimulating growth." The National Assembly will now begin the process of selecting a new prime minister, with Macron expected to play a key role in the selection process. The country's future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: France's government has been plunged into crisis once again. Background: François Bayrou was appointed as Prime Minister by President Emmanuel Macron last December. Bayrou's minority government had been struggling to pass key legislation and rein in France's mounting debt. The confidence vote was called after Bayrou proposed a plan to slash public spending and reduce the country's deficit. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum rejected Bayrou's proposal, citing concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations and the economy as a whole. Additional Perspectives: Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party: "This is a major defeat for Prime Minister Bayrou and a significant setback for President Macron. We will continue to push for policies that benefit the people, not just the wealthy elite." Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the right-wing Republicans party: "This is a crisis of leadership and a failure of policy. We need a new government with a clear vision for France's future." Current Status: The National Assembly will now begin the process of selecting a new prime minister. Macron is expected to play a key role in the selection process. The country's future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: France's government has been plunged into crisis once again. *Reporting by Npr.*