France's minority government looked increasingly likely to be ousted next month after three main opposition parties said they would not back a confidence vote which Prime Minister Francois Bayrou announced for September 8 over his plans for sweeping budget cuts.

France's embattled Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said Monday his government would request a vote of confidence on 8 September, seeking parliamentary backing for his fight against soaring public debt.

Prime Minister François Bayrou called for a vote of confidence, which could result in the collapse of his government.