French Prime Minister François Bayrou has lost a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly, leading to the collapse of his government. The vote was triggered by his proposed austerity budget aimed at reducing France's fiscal deficit by approximately €44 billion. Bayrou, who has been in office for nine months, will tender his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday.

The National Assembly voted 364 to 194 against Bayrou's government. Opposition parties across the political spectrum, including the far-left and far-right, had previously indicated their opposition to the budget plan. The proposal included measures such as freezing most welfare spending and eliminating two public holidays, which were widely rejected by parliamentarians.

Bayrou's ousting marks the sixth time President Macron has had to replace a prime minister since his election in 2017. The political instability has raised concerns about France's ability to address its fiscal challenges and implement necessary reforms. President Macron now faces the task of appointing a new prime minister who can navigate the fractured parliament and secure support for a revised budget plan.

The political deadlock in France is reminiscent of the instability observed in 1958 when the Fifth Republic was established. The current situation reflects deep divisions within the French political landscape, making it challenging to form a stable government capable of enacting significant policy changes.

The collapse of Bayrou's government has intensified calls for snap parliamentary elections, with public opinion surveys indicating a desire for a new mandate. However, the fragmented nature of the current parliament suggests that new elections may not resolve the underlying political gridlock.

As France navigates this period of political uncertainty, the focus will be on President Macron's ability to appoint a new prime minister who can garner sufficient support in the National Assembly and address the country's pressing fiscal issues.

Sources: BBC News, Al Jazeera, CNN, The New York Times.