The Macron government has temporarily suspended the increase in the retirement age, but the president believes that the reform is necessary in the long term.

The new government of Emmanuel Macron has managed to survive in parliament through a compromise with the socialists regarding pension reform. Macron supported Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's decision to suspend plans to raise the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64, acknowledging that, although this measure is currently a necessity, it will need to be implemented in the future. The president mentioned that a referendum on this issue could be possible, but there must be a prior agreement. The decision to suspend the reform, which has generated massive protests and is unpopular, could ensure the survival of Lecornu's government, which recently passed a motion of no confidence by a narrow margin. Lecornu explained that this suspension is an opportunity to reopen discussions, while Macron emphasized that the reform remains essential for the future of the pension system in France. Criticism from leftist leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon highlighted that the reform is not repealed, but merely postponed, calling for a more realistic approach to the issue.