France’s government collapses

PARIS — French lawmakers toppled Prime Minister François Bayrou’s minority government on Monday evening, thrusting the country deeper into a political crisis that will force President Emmanuel Macron to name a fifth premier in less than two years.  

Macron’s office hasn’t said whether he will speak tonight.

But Macron has limited options to steer France out of this crisis. He is reportedly leaning toward appointing another prime minister — the fifth since January 2024 — but a new premier would face the same intractable parliament. So too would a technical government made up of civil servants.  

Another snap election looks unappetizing, though, as it could easily deliver another hung parliament.  

In an extreme scenario, Macron could even resign, but that’s highly unlikely given his past statements.