Prime Minister François Bayrou broke a blockade of opposition parties that had brought down the government of his predecessor by doling out a series of concessions.

Only 128 lawmakers approved the motion, far from the 289 votes — or half the National Assembly seats — needed for it to pass. Both the Socialists and far-right National Rally lawmakers refused to support it.

In the monthslong political crisis in France, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou will face a no-confidence vote today, which will decide whether he gets breathing space or the country falls into further c