Facing an ongoing political crisis, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a proposal on Tuesday to suspend the highly unpopular pension reform. This contentious overhaul, which increased the legal retirement age, would now be put on hold until after the 2027 presidential election.
Delivering his address to lawmakers, Mr. Lecornu’s offer represents a significant concession to the Socialist Party. Their backing is crucial to avert potential no-confidence votes that could, for the second time in under two weeks, destabilize his administration.
Earlier that day, President Emmanuel Macron had hinted at his readiness to call snap elections should Mr. Lecornu’s government fall due to a no-confidence motion. Such a move would undoubtedly deepen the already considerable political uncertainty France has endured for weeks.
With a Parliament frequently deadlocked, France has seen a series of fragile, center-right minority governments throughout the past year. Prime Minister Lecornu, a centrist and trusted confidant of President Macron, had even resigned just last week, only to be reinstated days later. This swift reappointment further fueled the outrage of his opponents, many of whom are demanding immediate legislative elections or even President Macron’s resignation.
The nation urgently requires a finalized budget before year-end to tackle escalating debt and deficits. This is vital to reassure businesses, investors, and consumers who have been left uneasy by months of persistent political instability.
Prior to Mr. Lecornu’s announcement, the Socialist Party had clearly stated its intention to introduce a no-confidence motion if their primary demands were not satisfied. A key demand was the immediate halt of President Macron’s 2023 pension reform, a central policy of his second term that aimed to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.