PARIS (Reuters) - French Finance Minister Eric Lombard on Wednesday welcomed the failure of a first no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's government, with Lombard describing it as a 'good thing for our country and our citizens.'

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou on Wednesday survived two no-confidence votes in parliament, paving the way for the adoption of a much-delayed 2025 budget seen as key to cutting France's crippling debts.

The vote clears the way for final approval of France’s 2025 budget, easing concerns about the country’s political turmoil — but not ending them.