Sébastien Lecornu's Crucial General Policy Speech Highlights Government's Challenges Amid Political Instability
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's October 14 speech presented key reforms and faced multiple opposition censure motions amid a politically precarious environment.
- • Lecornu's speech outlined government reforms amid political instability.
- • Pension reform remains a contentious issue with proposals to delay retirement age increase until 2027.
- • Opposition parties including LFI, RN, and PS have filed or threatened motions of censure.
- • Lecornu announced a new tax on unallocated assets as an alternative to the Zucman tax.
Key details
On October 14, 2025, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu delivered a pivotal general policy declaration before the National Assembly amid a turbulent political climate. The speech, a formal presentation of the government's roadmap and reforms, came as opposition parties, including La France Insoumise (LFI), the Rassemblement National (RN), and potentially the Socialist Party (PS), poised motions of censure against Lecornu's administration even before his address.
Key topics outlined by Lecornu included security, decentralization, the 2026 budget, and notably the controversial pension reform. The retirement reform, specifically the government's intention to increase the legal retirement age to 64, remains a deeply contentious issue. Lecornu suggested a partial suspension, proposing to delay the retirement age increase until 2027, but was constrained by President Macron's refusal to repeal the reform entirely. The Socialist Party warned it would file a censure motion if Lecornu did not heed their demands for a complete suspension of the reform alongside measures improving purchasing power.
In fiscal matters, Lecornu announced a new tax targeting unallocated assets within wealth management holdings, positioned as an alternative to the previously proposed Zucman tax aimed at the very wealthy. This measure is part of broader efforts to address economic inequalities without reversing prior fiscal reforms.
Political tensions remain high as Lecornu's government lacks an absolute majority in the National Assembly, making navigation through legislative processes precarious. Les Républicains leaders expressed opposition to any suspension of the retirement reform, considering it “absolute irresponsibility.” Meanwhile, the Communist Party's Fabien Roussel called for dissolving the National Assembly and new elections to resolve the political crisis.
The Prime Minister’s speech was also an appeal for political cohesion to overcome the current instability following successive government changes in a fragmented parliament. The council of ministers preceding the speech was delayed for discussions, including on the 2026 budget and a constitutional bill on New Caledonia.
Lecornu chose not to request a vote of confidence after his declaration, heightening the risk of his government’s collapse given the multiple motions of censure already lodged. The immediate future of his administration depends on how opposition parties respond during the ensuing debate, with Lecornu’s policy choices on pension reform and taxation under intense scrutiny.
As Jean-Louis Borloo emphasized, the Prime Minister's decisive and clear outline of France’s situation is crucial at this juncture. Socialist deputy Arthur Delaporte and the business community voice divergent views on the pension reform’s suspension, reflecting the broader societal divisions facing France today.