“After PM François Bayrou’s government collapses, Macron must quickly appoint his fifth prime minister amid rising protests and deep political gridlock in France.”
Macron Under Pressure to Name New PM as France Simmers Ahead of ‘Block Everything’ Protests
France is on the brink of renewed upheaval after Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government collapsed following a crushing confidence vote. President Emmanuel Macron now faces the urgent task of appointing his fifth prime minister in under two years, as pressure mounts to stabilize a deeply fractured political landscape.
Immediate Fallout & Political Paralysis
Bayrou’s ouster—triggered by his unpopular €44 billion austerity budget—throws the French government into caretaker status amid intensifying protests and strikes. The “Block Everything” movement, gaining momentum online, is poised to mobilize nationwide disruptions targeting infrastructure, transport, and daily life.
Macron’s Quandary
With parliament split between the far left, center, and far right, none field a working majority. Macron’s choice for PM must appeal across political divides while effectively navigating the looming 2026 budget crisis and widespread public discontent.
Potential successors include Centre-Right cabinet figures like Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu or Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, as well as more technocratic or center-left options such as Bernard Cazeneuve.
Citizen Anger & Organized Unrest
Public frustration is palpable. The grassroots “Block Everything” campaign, coordinated via social media platforms, plans disruptive protests starting September 10. In anticipation, authorities have deployed as many as 80,000 police officers.
