François Bayrou considers the call to "block" France on September 10 indefensible

The Prime Minister called on Saturday in "Le Parisien" to avoid a "return to decomposition" while "the country is facing great risks."

Is François Bayrou still hoping to escape a turbulent September? The Prime Minister called on Saturday, August 23, for "a return to school worthy of history," while strikes have been announced in several sectors (taxis, hospitals, energy, etc.) and a day of mobilization is looming on September 10 aimed at blocking France. "It's: The country is facing great risks, look, we're going to block it! How can we defend that?" he summarized in an interview with Le Parisien .

The head of government, who will hold a press conference on Monday , is worried about a "climate of power struggle" as discussions on the 2026 budget approach. Faced with the risk of a "return to decomposition with mobilization, negotiation, and backtracking," the Prime Minister has chosen a dramatic tone to describe the choice facing the country: "It's the fall from the cliff or the path to escape."

"Only the support of the French can change things," argues François Bayrou, who is fiercely defending his plan to save 44 billion euros in the next budget. After calling on Internet users to write to him this summer, he takes stock of the 6,000 or so messages he reportedly received: "What we hear most often: 'Efforts yes, but not for me. Immigrants, the rich, they're the ones who have to pay.' In reality, everyone will have to participate, with guarantees of justice," he asserts. The elimination of two public holidays is still on the agenda: "Let the whole country work more; that has moral and financial value," he argues.

As for his political future, with the threat of censure during the budget debates, the Prime Minister says he is aware of being in the "minority." But could the Socialists join in the vote for a motion of no confidence? "They would lose their skin, because the far right would win the day, " he says. "But you can't stop people from being suicidal."