France to get third PM in a year as Bayrou resigns after confidence vote

The French prime minister, François Bayrou, has handed in his resignation after losing a confidence vote that has plunged France into government collapse and political crisis.

Emmanuel Macron has said he will appoint a new prime minister in the coming days, who would then have to form a new government. This will be the third French prime minister in a year, whose first task will be the major challenge of agreeing a budget among a divided parliament.

About 11,000 protesters gathered in front of town halls across France on Monday night to celebrate Bayrou’s ousting with what they called “Bye bye Bayrou” farewell drinks.

Many of those present used the gatherings as an opportunity to plan for a day of action on Wednesday, which has been given the name: “Block Everything”. About 80,000 police will be mobilised for the protests, which could feature roadblocks and blockades of fuel depots.

[Source: The Guardian]