Crisis in France: Government expected to fall and danger of a “blockade in all areas”

French Prime Minister François Bayrou faces almost certain defeat on Monday in a closely watched confidence vote, as the opposition across the political spectrum rejects his plan to consolidate public finances. He has just linked it to the confidence vote.

His government is the fourth in the last three years, and its likely fall will further destabilize France politically.

As a result of the stalemate following the early elections in 2024, no political party has a majority in parliament; Macron's centrist alliance has been weakened, and the largest faction is now Marine Le Pen's National Front.

President Macron is expected to be forced to seek a new prime minister, with analysts predicting he will opt for a left-wing candidate from the Socialist Party.

At the beginning of the week, planned large-scale strikes and protests are expected to paralyze the country, including the already announced “blockade of all sectors” from transportation to education.

Macron has so far refused to dissolve parliament or call new elections, preferring instead to form a transitional government capable of implementing budgetary policy.

(reuters, sie)