French PM seeks to suspend pension reform to secure budget support
News October 15, 2025

French PM seeks to suspend pension reform to secure budget support

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Tuesday proposed delaying the 2023 pension reform until after the 2027 presidential election, yielding to pressure from leftist lawmakers...

**French PM Considers Putting Pension Reform on Hold to Gain Crucial Budget Approval**

Paris – In a significant political maneuver, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has proposed suspending the controversial 2023 pension reform, potentially delaying its implementation until after the next presidential election in 2027. This move, announced on Tuesday, signals a major shift in the government's strategy and highlights the intense political battle surrounding the budget approval process.

The proposed delay is widely seen as a concession to mounting pressure, particularly from leftist lawmakers who have vehemently opposed the pension reforms. These reforms, which aim to raise the retirement age and increase contribution periods, have sparked widespread protests and significant parliamentary resistance since their initial announcement.

Sources indicate that Lecornu's proposal is a calculated attempt to secure broader support for the government's budget. Without the backing of a majority in parliament, passing the budget has become an uphill struggle. By offering to postpone the contentious pension reform, the Prime Minister hopes to appease opposition parties and forge a compromise that will allow the budget to pass.

The implications of this potential delay are far-reaching. On one hand, it could de-escalate social tensions and provide a window for further dialogue and potential revisions to the reform. On the other hand, it pushes a critical economic decision into the future, potentially creating uncertainty and delaying necessary adjustments to the pension system.

The leftist parties, while welcoming the potential suspension, are likely to demand further guarantees and concessions before committing their support to the budget. They have consistently argued that the pension reforms unfairly burden lower-income workers and exacerbate existing inequalities.

The coming weeks will be crucial as the government engages in intense negotiations with various political factions. The fate of the pension reform, and indeed the stability of the government, hinges on the outcome of these discussions. The French public is watching closely, as the decisions made in parliament will have a profound impact on their future retirement prospects. The proposal has already ignited heated debate among economists, labor unions, and political analysts, who are weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of this significant policy shift.
Category: World