France's Bayrou government falls after losing confidence vote 364–194
France's National Assembly brought down Prime Minister François Bayrou's minority government on 8 September 2025, voting 364 to 194 against it in a confidence vote over his debt-reduction plans.
Summary
France's National Assembly ousted Prime Minister François Bayrou and his minority government on 8 September 2025 in a confidence vote, with 364 votes against him and 194 in favour. Bayrou had called the vote himself to win backing for plans to cut public spending and rein in France's growing national debt. The defeat obliged Bayrou to present his government's resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, whose office said a new prime minister would be appointed in the coming days. Reuters and AP described the collapse as deepening political instability in the euro zone's second-largest economy.
Key facts
- Date
- 8 Sep 2025
- Vote
- 364 against, 194 for
- PM ousted
- François Bayrou (minority government)
- Issue
- Plans to cut spending and tame national debt
- Next step
- Resignation to President Macron; new PM to be named
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which French Prime Minister lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly on 8 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — François Bayrou
François Bayrou and his minority government were ousted in the confidence vote on 8 September 2025.
What was the result of the confidence vote that brought down the French government on 8 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 364 against, 194 for
Reuters, AP and the BBC reported 364 votes against Bayrou and 194 in his favour.
The French government's confidence vote of 8 September 2025 was centred on which issue?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Plans to cut spending and rein in national debt
Bayrou staked his government on winning support for plans to cut public spending and tame the ballooning national debt.