Reappointed French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced in a parliamentary address that the country’s pension reform will be postponed until the 2027 presidential elections. The decision affects a law passed in 2023, which had planned to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 and increase the required years of work from 41.5 to 43 for eligibility. The reform, which had sparked major protests and intense debates in parliament, is now temporarily suspended, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to France 24 and RFI.
According to Lecornu, delaying the pension reform will cost the state budget 400 million euros in 2026 and 1.8 billion euros in 2027. However, he emphasized that this move will ultimately benefit 3.5 million French citizens. The prime minister added that the government intends to offset the financial shortfall through planned savings and budget adjustments.
During his speech, Lecornu also promised not to use Article 49.3 of the French Constitution, which allows the government to pass legislation without a vote in the National Assembly. As he explained, “the parliament will have the final say, as this is its responsibility,” signaling the government’s willingness to engage in broader dialogue with lawmakers.
The revised 2026 budget presented by Lecornu foresees the elimination of 3,000 positions in the public sector and a temporary additional tax on individuals earning over 250,000 euros per year. Corporate taxes on companies with profits exceeding one billion euros will also continue, although the rate will be halved.
Lecornu urged parliament to approve the proposed budget, stressing that France’s unity is crucial for the country’s stability amid global political and economic challenges. “Our opponents will benefit if France becomes more divided, weakened, or postpones addressing fundamental issues,” the prime minister stated.
Meanwhile, on October 16, the French lower house is scheduled to consider two motions of no confidence against Lecornu’s government. These motions were filed by the far-right party National Rally and the left-wing party La France Insoumise. President Emmanuel Macron has warned that if even one motion passes, he may dissolve the National Assembly.
Earlier we wrote that Emmanuel Macron reappoints Sébastien Lecornu as France’s prime minister.
