| Macron survives two no-confidence votes |
| The French National Assembly rejected a no-confidence motion against the government of President Emmanuel Macron, ensuring that a fiercely contested bill raising the retirement age to 64 from 62 becomes law. It was a close result, with 278 votes cast in favor, nine short of the 287 needed to pass. A second vote received 94 votes. |
| The pension overhaul, which Macron has sought since the beginning of his first term in 2017, has provoked two months of demonstrations, intermittent strikes and occasional violence. It has split France, with polls consistently showing two-thirds of the population opposing the change. The measure was rammed through Parliament last week without a full vote on it. |
| After the no-confidence votes yesterday, there was no indication that the protests would abate or that the restive mood would fade anytime soon. A period of deep uncertainty lies before France, and it is unclear how Macron, whose silence has been perceived by some as aloofness, will be able to reassert his authority. |
| Aftermath: Sporadic clashes erupted between crowds of protesters and the police in cities across the country, including Strasbourg, Rennes and Lyon. Labor unions have called for a day of strikes and demonstrations on Thursday, and Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally party, declared, “I believe it is difficult to govern in these circumstances.” |
