François Bayrou austerity gamble sparks backlash as Macron faces protests, far-right demands, and deep political unrest
François Bayrou Austerity gamble has set off a fresh political storm in France, leaving President Emmanuel Macron with the urgent task of reshaping his government amid a climate of hostility.
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The outcome was clear in advance: after Bayrou announced his intentions in late August, both the left and the far right vowed not to support him.
Parties are already focused on the 2027 presidential election, and none wanted to take ownership of an austerity plan widely viewed as politically toxic.
At the center of the controversy is Bayrou’s proposed €43.8 billion in spending cuts, which include the cancellation of two national holidays.
The measures, framed as unavoidable, have fueled anger across the political spectrum.
Bayrou, a three-time presidential candidate in 2002, 2007, and 2012, and the founder of the centrist MoDem party, insists that his fourth presidential bid could finally succeed.
His willingness to take on such a high-risk plan reflects his belief that voters may reward what he calls fiscal realism.
Meanwhile, Macron faces mounting political chaos. Marine Le Pen’s far right is demanding immediate parliamentary elections, while Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s far left backed by major trade unions has called nationwide protests for September 10 under the rallying cry Block everything.
The movement has gone further, urging Macron himself to resign.
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The showdown places France on the brink of deep political confrontation, with austerity, populism, and social unrest converging into one of the toughest tests of Macron’s presidency.
