(MENAFN) French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou declared on Monday that he will request a confidence vote from Parliament in September, as part of his efforts to implement cost-cutting measures totaling nearly €44 billion ($51 billion) in the 2026 fiscal plan.

Speaking during a press briefing, Bayrou noted that he had asked the president—who consented—to summon Parliament for an exceptional session scheduled for September 8.

This move signals the gravity of the situation, as his administration risks disintegration without securing majority support in the upcoming vote.

A number of leading opposition groups, including the far-right National Rally, the environmentalist Greens, the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI), and the Socialists, have already expressed their intent on social media to oppose Bayrou’s government during the confidence vote.

“We will obviously vote against confidence in Francois Bayrou’s government. Only dissolution will now allow the French to choose their destiny,” stated National Rally figurehead Marine Le Pen via US-based social media platform X.

Bayrou issued a stark warning, stating that France is “in danger” and “on the brink of over-indebtedness,” reinforcing his plea for parliamentary endorsement of the substantial cost-saving initiative embedded in the 2026 financial framework.

He had presented the preliminary budget plan to the National Assembly on July 15.

This proposal is a component of a broader governmental strategy aimed at curbing national debt, which currently amounts to 113% of France’s GDP—ranking among the highest within the European Union.

Additionally, France is grappling with one of the EU’s most substantial budget deficits, currently standing at 5.8%.

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