Macron faces two censure motions today – if they are rejected, he will automatically pass the new pension

Today, the French government faces two proposals of censure, the rejection of which by MPs will automatically translate into approval of the reform that raises the retirement age from 62 to 64.

In a message to France Press on Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his hope for the controversial pension reform, which Parliament is likely to adopt without a vote today, “to complete its democratic path with respect for all.”

Unrest continues in France

Meanwhile, over the weekend, demonstrators again took to the streets in major French cities as the government made a constitutional maneuver by imposing a presidential decree to pass a pension reform bill, a move widely seen as likely to spark social unrest. , according to the British newspaper The Guardian. Politico.

The strike is expected to disrupt public transport, refineries, universities and waste collection as unions hope to pressure the government to withdraw pension reform.

On Saturday (18/3) more than 100 people were arrested in Paris after an anti-reform demonstration involving several thousand turned violent.

POLITICO: Which parties will vote today on a motion of no confidence in Macron – right turn?

the 573 members of the French National Assembly Today she will vote on two motions of no confidence, which could lead to the resignation of Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne and her government. Although Emmanuel Macron will not resign if he loses his majority in Parliament, a successful motion of no confidence will lead to a deep political crisis for the French president.

On Saturday, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire confirmed that Reform was necessary He called on the deputies to “assume their responsibilities”, in an interview he gave to the newspaper “Le Parisien”. The French Finance Minister said of the impeachment proposal: “There will not be a majority to bring down the government, but it will be the moment of truth.” Is it a good idea to overthrow the government and create political turmoil over pension reforms? The answer is, “obviously,” added Bruno Le Maire.

What’s on Macron’s bill?

Emmanuel Macron wants it He increases legal The retirement age is from 62 to 64 yearsAnd With the expansion of contributions for a full pensionIn order to balance the accounts of the pension system. This reform is the cornerstone of the French president’s second term, and failure to pass it will have repercussions for the rest of his term.

Amid scenes of anger and rebellion in Parliament, Macron’s trusted Prime Minister Elisabeth Born announced on Thursday (3/16) that the government had decided to recall Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass legislation without a vote, ending weeks of heated debate. However, invoking Section 49.3 allowed lawmakers to introduce a motion of no confidence within 24 hours.

The role of the Conservative MPs

It should be noted that Emmanuel Macron’s party lost its majority in the National Assembly in last year’s parliamentary elections and faced several motions of no confidence in recent months. In reference to the aggravation of the crisis in France, it is the first time that the various opposition parties have participated Submit a motion of no confidence together.

A small centrist opposition group put forward on Friday (3/17) a multi-party proposal backed by left-wing parties, which is also expected to win the backing of the far-right National Alert party, after its president. RN Marine Le Pen announced that her party would vote on “all motions of no confidence.”.

“Passing this motion will allow us to put an honest end to a deep political crisis,” centrist MP Bertrand Puncher said while introducing the motion.

Emmanuel Macron’s opponents need support 287 deputies to bring down the government, a hurdle they are unlikely to pass given the deep political divisions in Parliament. The National Assembly is divided between the Ennahda Alliance led by Macron (Renaissance), from the far-right National Alert (RN) and the left coalition (nobs).

In addition to supporting the extreme left and right, a multi-party proposal You will need the support of 27 Tories deputies From Les Républicains to pass.

But only 10 plan to vote in favor of the no-confidence motion, a Tory lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, told Playbook Paris.

MPs are also expected to vote on National Alarm’s Marine Le Pen motion of no confidence, which is seen as unlikely to pass.

The protests will continue

If the government survives Monday’s vote, You will still face a wave of protests This week and the risk of more social unrest. The left-wing CGT union on Friday (3/17) called for “visible actions” ahead of a day of nationwide protests and strikes planned for Thursday (3/23).