France, Aug. 26 -- France's debt crisis has become the latest test of a fragile political system. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is forcing a confidence vote that could bring down his government, echoing the turbulence that has dogged French politics since last year's elections.

The vote on 8 September comes just two days before mass protests against austerity. Unions and activists are calling for a nationwide shutdown on 10 September in response to Bayrou's plan for €44 billion in savings.

His proposals include cuts to public sector hiring, a pension freeze and the scrapping of two public holidays.

Bayrou insists the burden will not fall on workers alone. He has pledged to target "unjust" tax breaks that benefit the wealthy and ...