France's centre-left Socialist party will not back a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Francois Bayrou on Thursday, ...

The decision of the Socialists means that Bayrou is safe for now, but remains in a precarious position with budget talks set ...

Mr Bayrou meanwhile accused the hard left of trying to take France down the path of “infighting”. Read more at ...

The prime minister runs a minority government, composed of ministers ranging from ex-Socialists to conservatives, which is not based on any formal coalition pact. Faced with the same problem, his ...

T he crew of a boat whose rudder has fallen off can do little but pray for calm weather and a speedy way to safe harbour.