France, Sept. 10 -- The National Rally initially backed Francois Bayrou as prime minister and helped him survive a vote of no confidence earlier this year. But its MPs withdrew their support in Monday's vote, ensuring his downfall. RFI looks at what changed and why RN's leaders are now pushing for early elections.

National Rally (RN) - France's largest opposition party, with 123 seats in parliament - threw its weight behind Bayrou when he was nominated in December 2024, following the ousting of Michel Barnier.

In January, its decision to abstain in a vote of no confidence brought against Bayrou by left-wing parties allowed him to fight another day.

But after nine months of entente cordiale, RN leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella ...