French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said on Sunday the destiny of France was at stake in a forthcoming confidence vote, which he called to resolve a budget standoff but is expected to lose.

Bayrou sat down for an interview with four news channels as the clock ticks down to the September 8 vote in parliament. Opposition parties have already said they will not back his austerity budget.

The vote in parliament will not decide "the fate of the prime minister" but "the fate of France", Bayrou said.

He stunned France on Monday by saying he would request the vote in a divided parliament, as he tries to garner enough support for his minority government's plan to slash spending.

"The days ahead are crucial," the 74-year-old prime minister said in the interview with franceinfo, LCI, BFMTV and

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