French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday expressed his support for a confidence vote in the government, emphasizing that it is not in a state of “denial or exaggeration” regarding the country’s financial challenges. The move comes amid rising concerns over a potential political crisis in France.

The statement follows Prime Minister François Bayrou’s request, made two days earlier, for a confidence vote in the National Assembly, warning of the risks posed by excessive national debt.

Bayrou needs parliamentary backing to implement austerity measures aimed at reducing public debt, as debates intensify over the government’s economic policies.