French Prime Minister Bayrou survives no-confidence vote.

(CLO) French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou survived a no-confidence vote initiated by the left wing on Thursday (January 16).

Specifically, only 131 lawmakers voted no confidence – far short of the 288 votes needed. "Because we didn't get the necessary majority, the move wasn't passed," said French National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet.

Earlier, both the center-left Socialist Party and the far-right National Front (RN) had signaled their opposition to the vote, thus helping Bayrou pass this first "test" since taking office last month.

A view of the no-confidence vote against French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. Photo: French Government

However, Bayrou's government, which has a minority in the French Parliament, still faces an uphill battle to pass the 2025 budget – a task that led to the impeachment of his predecessor, Michel Barnier.

Specifically, Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure warned that Bayrou's commitment to reopening pension reform talks was insufficient, and that his party would support a vote of no confidence if there was no clear response to their demands.

To win the support of the Socialist Party, Bayrou detailed further concessions in a letter, ranging from canceling cuts to state medical reimbursements, increasing hospital spending more than previously budgeted, and abandoning plans to lay off 4,000 teachers.

Mr. Bayrou also agreed to maintain the concessions made by his predecessor Barnier, including postponing the electricity tax increase and raising all pensions to inflation-adjusted rates at a cost of 3.6 billion euros.

He also pledged to push through a series of tax increases worth 21 billion euros that his predecessor Barnier had planned, specifically targeting wealthy and large companies.

Political instability in France, where four prime ministers changed last year, has shaken the country in every way, from the economy to society.

Hoang Huy (according to Gouv.fr, France24, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thu-tuong-phap-francois-bayrou-vuot-qua-cuoc-bo-phieu-bat-tin-nhiem-post330749.html