Goodman Speaks to Newsweek About the Challenges Facing France’s Government

September 8, 2025

Newsweek

John Goodman

Political Science Department

Europe

Government

Newsweek

Portrait of a person wearing glasses, a dark blazer, and a light shirt, with arms crossed and standing against a dark blue background.

John Goodman

French Prime Minister François Bayrou was ousted in a 364-194 confidence vote recently after fewer than nine months in office, forcing his government to resign amid France's ongoing fiscal challenges including a growing budget deficit. Experts suggest any successor will likely struggle to command a majority in France's fragmented parliament.

John Goodman, assistant professor of political science by courtesy appointment and director of Syracuse University Strasbourg, says the 2027 presidential elections are “hanging over this crisis.”

“Those positioning themselves to run for president will likely not want to premiership, lest their reputations be tarnished in the lead-up to the vote. Any prime minister is unlikely to gain a majority in parliament,” he says.

Tolerance for benefit cuts remains low among the French public, particularly following the increase in the retirement age, Goodman adds. Many voters view Macron as “catering to commercial interests and flirting with the neo-fascist, extreme right movements.”

Read more in the Newsweek article, “France Government Collapse: Odds on Who Will Be Next PM After Bayrou Ousted.”