Podcast hosted by Bayrou: Discussing the possibility of reallocating some funds this summer
On August 5, 2025, François Bayrou, the occupant of Matignon, the official residence of the Prime Minister of France, took to YouTube to address the nation in a video titled "FB Direct." The video, posted at 5 pm, was the first in a series intended to present the gravity of France's issues and the proposed remedies.
The video was set in an interior space, bathed in daylight, with bookshelves in the background. The setting lacked the element of counter-programming, as it was a straightforward discussion on budgetary policy. The video had been viewed 3,000 times an hour after it was posted, indicating a considerable level of interest.
In the 8-minute and 36-second video, Bayrou emphasized the urgency of reducing France's growing debt. He proposed freezing spending at 2025 levels for 2026 and targeting massive €44 billion budget cuts. These cuts would affect pensions, social benefits, and public holidays, while defense spending would increase due to rising international tensions.
The public reaction was notably divided. Political journalist François Beaudonnet criticized the message as repetitive and lacking new information, merely dramatizing the financial situation without offering new solutions. Viewers' comments showed skepticism, with some expressing sarcasm about Bayrou's long tenure in power and calls for greater transparency and dialogue.
The budget cuts were highly unpopular, particularly measures freezing welfare benefits' inflation adjustment, cutting two bank holidays, and removing a tax break for retirees. Opposition parties, especially the far-right National Rally, strongly condemned the plan and threatened a no-confidence vote in Parliament.
Bayrou’s initiative to use YouTube and podcasts to engage directly with citizens represents a novel public relations strategy aimed at involving the public in what he dubbed a "call for dialogue" to find sustainable budget solutions. He plans to respond to viewers’ questions in later episodes.
In summary, while Bayrou’s YouTube speech attracted a moderate viewership and considerable engagement, the reaction underscored widespread public dissatisfaction and political contention over the austerity measures proposed for 2026.
[1] Le Monde, "François Bayrou's YouTube speech on budget cuts: a call for dialogue or a political gamble?" (August 6, 2025). [2] Le Figaro, "National Rally threatens no-confidence vote over Bayrou's budget cuts" (August 6, 2025). [3] Libération, "Skepticism and criticism: the public's reaction to Bayrou's YouTube speech" (August 6, 2025). [4] Franceinfo, "Bayrou's YouTube speech: what were the proposed remedies?" (August 6, 2025).
In the midst of intense debate, Francois Bayrou announced a personal-finance strategy on his YouTube channel, aiming to reduce France's growing debt through budgeting measures such as freezing spending at 2025 levels and cutting €44 billion. These finance-related decisions, including adjustments to pensions, social benefits, and public holidays, have sparked public contention.
The unpopular austerity measures, particularly those related to welfare benefits and tax breaks for retirees, have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties like the National Rally, who have threatened a no-confidence vote in Parliament. The public's response was notably divided, with skepticism evident in news outlets like Le Monde, Le Figaro, Libération, and Franceinfo.
