France was thrown into political turmoil Monday as Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a crucial confidence vote in the National Assembly, forcing the collapse of his government.

Lawmakers voted 364–194 against Bayrou’s austerity budget plan, with 25 members abstaining. The defeat not only ousted Bayrou but also toppled his minority government.

Bayrou himself had initiated the surprise confidence vote, saying he hoped to “shock” politicians into finding common ground on France’s mounting debt crisis. But weeks of speculation about his fragile position ended in a resounding rejection.

President Emmanuel Macron is now faced with appointing his fourth prime minister in just 12 months, underlining the deep instability gripping French politics. Bayrou is expected to formally present his government’s resignation to Macron tomorrow morning.

The vote marks one of the most dramatic moments of Macron’s presidency, raising serious questions about the government’s ability to navigate economic challenges and maintain public confidence.