Macron Signals Possible Referendum as 2023 French Pension Reform Postponed
Emmanuel Macron has indicated a referendum on the postponed 2023 pension reform may be possible, contingent on reaching an agreement amid ongoing social dialogue.
- • Macron says referendum on pension reform possible if agreement is reached.
- • 2023 pension reform is postponed, not cancelled or suspended.
- • Retirement age increase delayed to January 2028 with financing mechanisms.
- • Conference with social partners to discuss pensions and labor underway.
- • Parliamentary debate and stakeholder collaboration will shape future of reform.
Key details
French President Emmanuel Macron has left open the possibility of a referendum on the 2023 pension reform, contingent upon reaching an agreement on the reform's specifics. Speaking during a press conference in Ljubljana on October 21, 2025, Macron emphasized that the reform is currently postponed, not cancelled or suspended, with the delay aimed at easing social tensions and enabling a broader dialogue between unions, employers, and the government.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had earlier announced plans to postpone the reform and initiate a conference with social partners to discuss the pension system and labor issues. Although Lecornu had used the term "suspension" regarding the reform, Macron clarified this as a postponement, specifying that the planned increase of the retirement age from 63 to 64 has been deferred to January 2028, with the changes financed by associated savings.
Macron stressed the need for a calm and constructive debate involving all stakeholders, including trade unions and employers, highlighting that parliamentary discussions will ultimately shape the reform's future. He pointed out that the postponement aims to foster a peaceful dialogue and budget compromise ahead of resuming talks on pensions. Failure to reach such agreement could lead to other actions; however, Macron reiterated his prior statement from December 31, 2024, that the French people might be asked to decide on key issues, hinting at referendum possibilities once consensus is attained.
This postponement and the prospect of a referendum come amid ongoing political negotiations, including concerns about the reform’s impact on the 2027 budget and the government's relationship with the Socialist Party. Macron reaffirmed that the pension reform is necessary for France’s long-term financial balance and that any new agreements could be codified into law following dialogue.
In summary, while the 2023 pension reform remains legally valid, its implementation is deferred to allow social dialogue and stability, with Macron open to a referendum if consensus is achieved.