French Political Crisis Deepens as Lecornu Proposes Suspension of Pension Reform to Secure Socialist Support
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu proposes suspending the pension reform to negotiate with Socialists, amid a fractured Macron camp and political tensions in France.
- • Sébastien Lecornu proposes suspension of pension reform to negotiate with Socialists.
- • Élisabeth Borne supports suspension citing national stability.
- • Socialist leader Raphaël Glucksmann cautiously optimistic but doubts dissolution avoidance.
- • Right-wing opposition rejects leftist prime minister; Rassemblement National demands early elections.
Key details
In a significant political development on October 8, 2025, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has opened the door to suspending the controversial pension reform, a move aimed at facilitating negotiations with the Socialist Party (PS) and seeking to resolve the ongoing crisis. This proposal comes under President Emmanuel Macron's directive, with Lecornu tasked to secure an agreement by the end of the day amid mounting political tensions.
Lecornu’s proposal of suspension is supported by former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, who has publicly stated that such a concession could be essential for stability in the country. Borne, who initially championed the reform, indicated on October 7 in an interview with Le Parisien that she might consider suspending the reform to enable a deal with the PS. This shift marks a major concession as the reform had been a hallmark of Macron’s administration.
The negotiations entered a critical phase with Lecornu holding meetings at Matignon with socialist leaders. Raphaël Glucksmann, a leading figure in the Socialist Party, expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the suspension was previously considered impossible but is now being seriously discussed. However, Glucksmann also conveyed uncertainty about whether these discussions would suffice to avoid a government dissolution.
Within Macron’s political camp, reactions remain divided; while some, such as Manuel Valls, welcome the idea of suspension, others including Yaël Braun-Pivet hesitate, feeling that a comprehensive reform should involve broader dialogue. Financially, Roland Lescure, the interim finance minister, noted that the reform’s fiscal impact could escalate to several billion euros by 2027.
Right-wing opposition leaders fiercely reject the notion of a government led by a left-leaning prime minister, demanding a non-Macron affiliated replacement. Meanwhile, the far-right Rassemblement National prefers early legislative elections and has declined to engage in the negotiations.
Lecornu has pledged to present the outcomes of his consultations imminently, with Macron expected to make consequential decisions following these talks. The political landscape remains fluid with calls from former allies for Macron to step down gracefully after the budget passes, underscoring the crisis’ intensity. Meanwhile, Lecornu expressed hope for political convergence to avoid dissolution and emphasized the collective desire to have a budget settled before the end of 2025.
This critical juncture in French politics highlights the fragile state of Macron’s presidency and the complex balancing act underway to navigate pension reform opposition while maintaining government stability.