By the decisive vote of confidence on September 8 in the French National Assembly to approach, the government of the prime minister François Bairou collapses, causing ‘headache’ to the president, Emmanuel Macron.
As Politico writes on Friday (29.08.2025), Emmanuel Macron is already looking for François Bairou’s successor with the names heard strongly about the position of the Prime Minister being those of ministers, Sebastian Lekorny and Zerall Darmann.
France is in a strong political uncertainty, as the Bairo minority government is heading for an inevitable defeat in trust voting on September 8.
In the Champs Elysees, Macron’s staff examines candidates for heads of government, with the names of Defense Minister Sebastian Lekorny and Justice Minister Zeral Darmann to promote potential replacements.
Both come from the conservative party Les Républicains, but have been close to the French president since 2017.
Lekorny is considered more cooperative, while Darmann, though ambitious, appears hesitant to take on a “suicide mission”, as the prime minister’s position is characterized in a political impasse.
Bairou himself has warned that the country is in danger of a debt crisis similar to that of Greece if it does not proceed with public spending cuts of 43.8 billion euros.
The political crisis is combined with intense social tension. Just 48 hours after the possible departure of Bairou, mass protests are expected, in which the “yellow vests” will be pioneered. “Political crisis on September 8, a social crisis on 10. Isn’t this a regime crisis?” Commented on a political adviser to minister.
Macron’s fears and ballot boxes
The possibility of early elections is not something the French president wants. Macron is currently reluctant to dismantle the House, fearing a new political impasse that will be borne by him. The experience of early elections after the European elections “injured” its prestige.
Polls show that a new election could re -emerge a House without a clear majority.
Even the choice of a technocratic government, according to Italian standards, encounters obstacles, as MPs of all parties are already looking at the 2026 municipal elections and the presidential battle of 2027.
With markets pushing for immediate fiscal adjustment, the parties harden their positions and social upheaval intensifying, the question is not who will succeed Bairou, but whether political leadership can avoid a deeper status crisis.
source: Politico