Olivier Faure, the First Secretary of the Socialist Party (PS), has announced intentions to censure the government if there is no new parliamentary debate on pension reform. During an interview with France Inter, Faure expressed his concerns about the current political crisis in France, describing it as unprecedented and suggesting a total collapse of the political framework.
Censure Threats from PS and RN Amid Political Uncertainty
Faure pointed out criticisms made by Bruno Retailleau regarding the government’s lack of significant change. He noted the departure of the Union of Democrats and Independents (UDI) as a sign of instability. Furthermore, Faure highlighted Gabriel Attal’s distancing from President Macron, further indicating that the government is facing an “incredible weakness.”
Criticism of Republican Strategies
- Faure criticized the Republicans, asserting they are not benefiting anyone.
- He accused them of preparing for a discreet primary ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Faure referred to the current political situation as resembling more of a circus than a governmental body.
In the wake of a meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu at Matignon on October 3, 2025, Faure reiterated his disinterest in the cabinet’s composition, emphasizing that the government is fundamentally right-leaning. He described the return of Bruno Le Maire as a “provocation,” especially as the government urges citizens to assist in debt reduction.
Concerns Over Proposed Policies
During the discussion concerning government policies, Faure deemed Lecornu’s proposal as “very regressive” and reminiscent of previous strategies proposed by François Bayrou. He stated his inability to see any reason to avoid voting for censure at this stage, although he acknowledged that situations may change.
Faure asserted the need for the government to take responsibility and shift its policies. He questioned the effectiveness of the current leadership and expressed his desire for substantial changes. He emphasized that, for the Socialists to consider not voting for censure, a thorough revisitation of the pension reform must be presented in Parliament before the year’s end.
He labeled the pension reform legislation, which was pushed through using a controversial 49.3 procedure, an “anomaly of democracy,” and insisted that it deserves to be reexamined.
