Marine Le Pen Challenges Legitimacy of Pension Reform Suspension and Prepares Alternative Proposal

Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally (RN), has voiced strong skepticism about the government's announced suspension of France's pension reform. In her remarks during an October 15 interview, Le Pen accused the Socialist Party of betraying the people by avoiding a censure motion and circumventing elections. She questioned whether the suspension would be properly formalized through a legislative amendment and whether it would withstand constitutional scrutiny. According to Le Pen, the Socialist Party and The Republicans fear the judgment of French voters and aim to prevent the National Assembly's dissolution.

Le Pen decried what she called a "true false suspension" of the reform and emphasized RN's readiness to secure an absolute majority should new elections be called. She highlighted the RN's pension reform plan, which proposes retirement at age 60 for workers who began their careers before 20 years of age after 40 years of service. She criticized the current government budget for failing to reduce state spending, asserting that significant savings can be found by eliminating wasteful expenditures.

Looking ahead, Le Pen announced that the RN will unveil its counter-budget on October 23, which will finance its pension reform and include alternative savings measures. This development follows government officials’ appearances on various media outlets to explain the policy direction of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s administration, with opposition figures like Le Pen expected to engage in ongoing political debate.