French National Assembly Votes on Suspension of Controversial 2023 Pension Reform

On November 12, 2025, the French National Assembly is set to vote on a government amendment proposing the suspension of the 2023 pension reform that raised the legal retirement age to 64. This vote, while lacking official legal force, is highly symbolic and expected to signal parliamentary sentiment on the reform's future during the ongoing examination of the Social Security financing bill. The suspension amendment was introduced as part of a political agreement between the government and the Socialist Party (PS), which views the vote as a noteworthy victory against the controversial reform.

The left-wing parties display divergent positions: the PS supports the suspension, aiming to delay the reform's application until after the 2027 presidential election. In sharp contrast, La France Insoumise (LFI), led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has declared it will vote against the amendment, dismissing the proposal as insufficient and insisting on complete repeal rather than mere suspension. Mélenchon emphasizes the coalition's commitment to its full program, refusing compromises with Macron's central bloc, unlike the PS.

The assembly is expected to be lively and full, underscoring the importance of the debate, particularly regarding changes affecting generations born between 1964 and 1968, including adjustments to retirement age and contribution periods. This moment captures the complex political divisions at play and may forecast the reform's contentious road ahead in French politics.