Is new alliance in works, extending from French Socialists, Ecologists, Communists to centre-right?

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou was set to fall in a confidence vote in parliament on Monday after just nine months in the job, sparking fresh political uncertainty for France and piling pressure on President Emmanuel Macron. Bayrou blindsided even his allies by calling a confidence vote to end a months-long standoff over his 44 billion euro austerity budget. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, FRANCE 24's Delano d'Souza welcomes Paul Smith, Associate Professor in French History and Politics at the University of Nottingham.