Horizons leader Édouard Philippe is spearheading opposition to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's suspension of the retirement reform. Despite internal party divisions, he rejects censuring the government or participating without guarantees on pensions. His vice-president, Christelle Morançais, however, calls for censuring the executive.
France's political crisis, triggered on October 5, 2025, by Les Républicains (LR), has reached Horizons, Édouard Philippe's party. Following Sébastien Lecornu's reappointment at Matignon, the former Prime Minister stated his preference: neither censuring the government nor joining it without guarantees on the retirement reform. He strongly opposes the 'madness' of suspending this reform, announced by Lecornu on October 14, to differentiate from macronists.
However, internal turbulences are shaking Horizons. Vice-president Christelle Morançais, president of the Pays de la Loire region, declared on X Tuesday that she would vote for censure if she were a deputy, during the examination of motions scheduled for Thursday. Three other party members have joined Lecornu's team, contradicting Philippe's line. 'Édouard Philippe boasts of drawing “clear lines”, but confusion has spread to his troops', notes Le Figaro.
This stance comes amid censure motions tabled by La France insoumise (LFI) and Rassemblement national (RN), to be examined Thursday morning. Jordan Bardella believes censure remains 'possible' and will be decided 'by a few votes'. Five overseas deputies and one from Drôme, in the socialist group, announced they will go against the PS secretary's instruction. Philippe aims to clarify his party's positions amid governmental instability.