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2025-10-16 18:53:45
Macron's Reform Dream Shattered, Pension Reform Stalled, Triggering Political Crisis (1) French President Emmanuel Macron was forced to shelve the core reform of his second term—pension reform—a move that will result in a €13 billion annual shortfall in public finances by 2035. (2) The suspension of reforms means that only the nine-month increase in the minimum retirement age, effective October 1st, will remain, with the remaining reforms postponed until after the 2027 presidential election. (3) Mood within Macron's camp is low, with lawmakers admitting this is a "bitter pill to swallow," and some allies planning to vote against it to defend their principled stance. (4) While political compromises have temporarily stabilized the political situation, allowing the Le Cornu government to survive two no-confidence votes on Thursday, they have dealt a fatal blow to the long-term reform process. (5) Analysts point out that this move marks the de facto end of Macronism, and his legacy as a reformer has entered the stage of disintegration two years ahead of schedule. (6) The Socialist Party has explicitly stated that it has not committed to the government budget, foreshadowing a new round of challenges to policies implemented during Macron's tenure, such as tax cuts for the wealthy.
