France: The Fall of the Bayrou Government Sparks Popular Celebrations and Deepens the Political Crisis

Several French cities witnessed marches and celebrations on Monday evening following the fall of Prime Minister François Bayrou's government after parliament voted to withdraw confidence from it, in a move that threatens to exacerbate the political and economic crisis the country is experiencing.

In Nantes, about 300 people gathered holding signs that read "Goodbye Bayrou" and "On September 10, we will cut everything," while Rennes saw student gatherings to the sound of music in the town square, before the marches moved to Saint Anne Square. In Paris, demonstrations took place in several districts, notably in Gambetta Square in the twentieth district where more than 200 people gathered in a festive atmosphere.

One protester said: "It is a great victory tonight!.. The next government must think of the poor and retirees, as everything has become expensive.. I also want Macron to leave, even though I voted for him twice to block the far right."

These popular movements came after parliament voted by a majority of 364 deputies to 194 in favor of withdrawing confidence from the government, which means the ousting of Bayrou's government with its fragile majority that struggled to pass its financial and reform policies.

Bayrou, who is 74 years old, is scheduled to submit his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday morning, according to the Élysée Palace, which confirmed that the president will begin consultations to appoint a new Prime Minister in the coming days.