Prime Minister Lecornu Announces Suspension
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the suspension of the nation's unpopular 2023 pension reform. The reform, which had increased the legal retirement age from 62 to 64, will be put on hold until after the 2027 presidential elections. This decision comes as Lecornu's minority government seeks to garner crucial parliamentary support and avert potential no-confidence votes.
Context of the Unpopular Reform
The pension reform, enacted in 2023, was a flagship policy of President Emmanuel Macron's administration. It aimed to address a projected deficit in the pension system by 2030 and required individuals to contribute for 43 years to qualify for a full pension. The implementation of the reform was met with widespread public discontent and significant protests across France, with millions taking to the streets in opposition.
Political Maneuver Amidst Instability
Prime Minister Lecornu, who was reappointed on October 10, 2025, after a brief resignation, leads a government operating without a clear majority in the National Assembly. His announcement to suspend the pension reform is a strategic concession designed to win over Socialist deputies, whose support is vital to the survival of his cabinet. The government currently faces motions of no-confidence from both the far-right National Rally and the radical-left France Unbowed parties.
During his policy speech to the National Assembly, Lecornu stated, 'I will propose to parliament, starting this autumn, that we suspend the 2023 pension reform until the presidential election.' He further assured that 'No increase in the retirement age will take place from now until January 2028.' This move is also accompanied by a pledge to avoid using the constitutional tool known as Article 49.3, which allows a bill to pass without a parliamentary vote.
Financial Implications and Future Outlook
The suspension of the reform is projected to incur significant costs, estimated at €400 million in 2026 and €1.8 billion in 2027. Prime Minister Lecornu indicated that these costs would necessitate financial compensation through other cost-saving measures. The 2027 French presidential elections are scheduled for April 2027, and incumbent President Emmanuel Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term. The decision to delay the pension reform underscores the ongoing political fragility in France and the government's efforts to navigate a deeply divided parliament.
5 Comments
Rotfront
Finally, common sense prevails! The people spoke, and the government listened.
Coccinella
Financial disaster looms! Who will pay for this delay?
Habibi
Great news for French workers! No age hike until 2028.
paracelsus
The decision to suspend the reform is a pragmatic move to stabilize a fragile government and ease social tensions. However, it raises questions about the government's commitment to fiscal responsibility and its ability to make tough, long-term decisions.
eliphas
Citizens will appreciate not having the retirement age increased immediately, offering temporary relief. But this political maneuver comes at a substantial financial cost, pushing the burden onto future budgets and generations.