PARIS — French Prime Minister François Bayrou will convene lawmakers for an extraordinary session to hold a a high-stakes confidence vote ahead on Sept. 8 ahead of debate on his unpopular budget proposal.

“Things must be clarified,” Bayrou told reporters at a press conference in Paris Monday.

The prime minister last month unveiled an aggressive €43.8 billion budget squeeze for next year. The government projects the proposal, which also slashes two public holidays, will bring down France’s budget deficit down to 4.6 percent of gross domestic product.

The announcement sparked fury among opposition parties, some of whom vowed topple Bayrou if he forges ahead without significant changes to his spending plans. Lawmakers are expected to start formally debating the budget when they return to work next month.

“Our country is in danger because we are at risk of excessive debt,” Bayrou said. “I will not let our country sink into this risk, because it is our freedom that is at stake.” 

This developing story is being updated.