French Prime Minister Lecornu Pauses Pension Reform in Bid for Political Stability
France’s controversial pension reform, enacted in 2023, is facing a temporary halt as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu seeks to appease opposition parties and avert a vote of no confidence.The reform, which gradually raises the retirement age from 62 to 64, has been a source of meaningful public and political unrest.
In a government statement delivered to the National Assembly in Paris, Lecornu announced the suspension of the retirement age increase until January 2028. he stated the move is intended to “create the necessary trust to develop new solutions.”
The announcement prompted a positive response from the Socialist party, with parliamentary group leader boris Vallaud calling the suspension a “victory” and a “step in the right direction.” The Socialists indicated they would participate in ongoing debates within the National Assembly and, for the time being, would not support the no-confidence motions already filed against the government.
This shift substantially improves Lecornu’s chances of surviving a parliamentary vote of no confidence scheduled for Thursday. A accomplished no-confidence vote could force President Emmanuel macron to dissolve parliament and call for new elections.
However, opposition remains strong. France’s Left Party and the far-right rassemblement National (RN) had already submitted motions of no confidence prior to Lecornu’s statement, and have signaled their intent to proceed with attempts to overthrow the government nonetheless. The RN has stated it will vote in favor of the Left Party’s proposal.
The Socialist party had previously made its toleration of the government contingent on Lecornu announcing a suspension of the pension reform, a condition communicated just 40 minutes before his address.
The original pension reform, passed without a vote in spring 2023, triggered months of widespread protests across France. The government justified the changes by citing a projected shortfall in the pension fund.
Lecornu has now called for a renewed discussion regarding pension system reform, emphasizing the need for long-term financial stability and avoidance of further increases to France’s government deficit. He highlighted the financial implications of the suspension, stating the pension system is projected to face a deficit of €400 million in 2026 and €1.8 billion in 2027. He noted the suspension will benefit 3.5 million French citizens and will require offsetting financial measures, including potential savings.
The current political paralysis stems from the early parliamentary elections in summer 2024, where Macron’s center-right government lost its majority in the National Assembly. France is currently operating with a minority government, and Lecornu is the second prime minister to face a potential overthrow in recent months.
