Suspension of Pension Reform: “It’s Painful for all of us But this Compromise was Necessary”, Confides Macron

NO CHOICE: In front of deputies, Emmanuel Macron took on a “painful decision” to preserve the stability of the country, with the suspension of the Pension Reform

The Prime Minister to freedom and responsibility for one’s compromises. It’s painful for all of us”, Emmanuel Macron declared Thursday evening at the Elysée, recognizing that the suspension of pension reform “costs everyone”. In front of around fifteen Renaissance deputies, the former head of government Elisabeth Borne and the former Minister of Labor Olivier Dussopt, the president hailed “a just fight”, waged despite “threats, violence”. But he accepted the compromise: This compromise was necessary to allow stability. ”

A few hours earlier, Sébastien Lecornu had narrowly avoided censorship. With 271 votes in favor, the La France insoumise motion failed to overthrow the government, with an absolute majority set at 289. The survival of the Prime Minister owes a lot to the Socialist Party, which chose not to vote for censure after obtaining the suspension of the pension reform.

A respite for Emmanuel Macron?

On the podium, the socialist Laurent Baumel made it clear that this vote “was in no way a pact of non-censorship”. The fate of the government, he added, “is suspended on the effectiveness of the promised suspension”. On the opposition side, the Insoumis denounced “a deception”, and Marine Le Pen accused the right of “dissolving into socialism” rather than “dissolving into Macronism”.

Faced with them, Sébastien Lecornu called for “a moment of truth between republican order and disorder”, ensuring that he would not resort to 49.3 to impose the budget. “The debates can begin”, he soberly declared as he left the’National Assembly, admitting that the situation remained “difficult”. While the finance bill will be examined on Monday, Emmanuel Macron seems to have gained a respite. But the freezing of its flagship reform leaves a bitter taste in the majority. “I know what it cost you to defend this reform”, the president told his troops.