France to get third PM in a year as Bayrou to resign after confidence vote

"The French prime minister, Francois Bayrou, will hand in his resignation on Tuesday after losing a confidence vote that has plunged France into government collapse and political crisis. Emmanuel Macron has said he will appoint a new prime minister in the coming days, who would then have to form a new government. This will be the third French prime minister in a year, whose first task will be the major challenge of agreeing a budget among a divided parliament."

"About 11,000 protesters gathered in front of town halls across France on Monday night to celebrate Bayrou's ousting with what they called Bye bye Bayrou farewell drinks. A gathering in front of Lyon city hall. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images Many of those present used the gatherings as an opportunity to plan for a day of action on Wednesday, which has been given the name: Block Everything. About 80,000 police will be mobilised for the protests, which could feature roadblocks and blockades of fuel depots."

"Since the French president called a snap election last year, the parliament is split between three groups left, centre and far right with no absolute majority. It is uncertain who as prime minister could find consensus on the budget without also facing a similar ousting. The centrist Bayrou, 74, lasted nine months in office before being ousted over his unpopular debt-reduction budget. Before him, the rightwing Michel Barnier lasted only three months until he was ousted over the budget."

"Gabriel Attal, a former prime minister and head of Macron's centrists, told France Info radio that France was suffering from an absolutely distressing spectacle of instability in which the government falls every three to six months. He said we have to get out of this spiral, saying there had to be a form of compromise agreed between all the political blocs before a new prime minister was appointed."

Prime Minister Francois Bayrou will resign after losing a confidence vote, leaving France's government collapsed and President Emmanuel Macron to appoint a successor. The new prime minister will face the task of forming a government and securing agreement on a budget within a divided parliament. Thousands gathered at town halls to celebrate the ousting and planned a nationwide 'Block Everything' day of action, while about 80,000 police will be mobilised for possible roadblocks and fuel depot blockades. The parliament remains split among left, centre and far-right groups with no absolute majority, and previous prime ministers lasted only months. Political leaders called for cross-bloc compromise to end recurring instability.

Read at www.theguardian.com