French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu survived two no-confidence votes in the National Assembly on Thursday, securing crucial support from the Socialist Party after suspending President Emmanuel Macron’s contested 2023 pension reform.

The motions, presented by France Unbowed (LFI) and the far-right National Rally (RN), received 271 and 144 votes respectively, well short of the 289 votes required to topple Lecornu’s newly reappointed government. The outcome underscores the fragility of Macron’s administration as it navigates a deeply divided legislature midway through his final term.

Pension reform suspension wins Socialist backing

Lecornu’s pledge to suspend the pension reform until after the 2027 presidential election was decisive in swaying Socialist deputies, who hold the balance of power in the fragmented National Assembly.

“I will propose to parliament, starting this autumn, that we suspend the 2023 pension reform until the presidential election,” Lecornu told lawmakers.

“No increase in the retirement age will take place from now until January 2028,” he said.

The suspension also included a commitment to abandon the use of Article 49.3 of the French Constitution, which allows the executive to bypass parliamentary debate. This concession was welcomed by the Socialist benches, signaling a temporary reprieve for Lecornu’s government.

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Political fallout and remaining challenges

Despite surviving the votes, Lecornu faces weeks of complex negotiations over the 2026 budget. Finance Minister Roland Lescure has warned that postponing the reform could cost billions by 2027, complicating efforts to reduce France’s budget deficit from 5.8% of GDP. The Socialists are pressing to include a tax on billionaires in the upcoming budget, highlighting the government’s limited leverage.

LFI and RN remain defiant. LFI deputy Mathilde Panot said, “We will not be participating in your salvation,” while RN leader Jordan Bardella described mainstream parties as forming a “circle of Emmanuel Macron’s saviours,” united by fear of the ballot and of the people.

The suspension of the pension reform marks a rare retreat from the Elysee Palace, undermining one of Macron’s key domestic initiatives. The 2023 reform, which raised the statutory retirement age from 62 to 64, sparked months of mass strikes and nationwide protests. Critics argued it disproportionately affected blue-collar workers, women, and those in physically demanding jobs.

Read more: 52% of French support right-wing coalition amid political crisis: Poll

Economic and social implications

Lecornu acknowledged that the suspension will carry a fiscal cost of €400 million in 2026 and €1.8 billion in 2027, benefiting roughly 3.5 million workers. To offset this, his government plans exceptional contributions from large corporations and the wealthiest households.

The Left and far-right remain poised to challenge the government on future measures. Meanwhile, center-right party Les Républicains emphasized the need for stability.

“We will not be among those who bring down prime ministers. France needs a minimum of stability,” LR leader Laurent Wauquiez said.

While Lecornu’s maneuver buys temporary relief, France’s political and social tensions remain unresolved. The pension reform remains highly divisive, and the prospect of renewed protests looms if the government revisits the issue after 2027.

Read more: Macron faces mounting turmoil as Lecornu unveils new cabinet