Macron’s reappointment of Lecornu faces opposition ultimatum from socialists

France’s Socialist Party has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s newly reappointed government, warning that it will file a no-confidence motion unless its demands are met, French media reports.

The party’s backing is now crucial for the survival of Lecornu’s administration.

Among the Socialists’ key demands is an immediate and complete halt to the unpopular pension reform, which was rammed through parliament in 2023 without a vote despite widespread protests. The reform gradually raises the retirement age from 62 to 64, and opposition parties, including the Socialists, are calling for its repeal.

The party is also demanding a parliamentary debate on suspending the government’s use of Article 49.3 of the constitution, which allows bills to be approved “over the head” of parliament, leaving deputies the option to declare a vote of no confidence afterwards.

In addition, the Socialists are pushing for a relaxation of the government’s financial plans aimed at reducing France’s mounting national debt. Nobel Prize-winning economist Philippe Aghion has voiced support for suspending the pension reform until the next presidential election, telling France 2 that pausing the measure would “calm things down” and “doesn’t cost very much.”

Lecornu, who previously served as defence minister, met with his cabinet to review proposals for the 2026 budget, which must be approved by the end of the year. With his government hanging by a thread, he faces pressure to make concessions to the Socialists and other political opponents to avoid a no-confidence vote later this week.

The prime minister’s reappointment comes amid widespread political tension. President Emmanuel Macron’s decision has been criticised across the political spectrum: the far-right National Rally has called for another early parliamentary election, while the left-wing France Unbowed party is urging Macron to resign.

Macron’s centrist camp lacks a majority in the National Assembly, leaving his government vulnerable and his leadership increasingly questioned, even within his own ranks.

The ongoing political crisis stems from Macron’s surprise decision last year to dissolve the National Assembly, which resulted in a hung parliament and successive minority governments. Over the past year, France has faced political paralysis, a rising poverty rate, and a mounting debt crisis that has alarmed both markets and EU partners.

Lecornu’s current term is widely viewed as Macron’s last opportunity to reinvigorate his second mandate before the 2027 presidential election.

By Tamilla Hasanova