Why far-right National Rally dropped Bayrou and is calling for snap elections

Marine Le Pen delivers a speech prior to a confidence vote over the government's austerity budget, 8 September. AFP - BERTRAND GUAY

The National Rally initially backed François Bayrou as prime minister and helped him survive a vote of no confidence earlier this year. But its MPs withdrew their support in Monday's vote, ensuring his downfall. RFI looks at what changed and why RN's leaders are now pushing for early elections.

National Rally (RN) – France's largest opposition party, with 123 seats in parliament – threw its weight behind Bayrou when he was nominated in December 2024, following the ousting of Michel Barnier.