French Government
Judicial document criticizes French government's COVID-19 management in 2020
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A 1,482-page ruling issued on July 7 by France's Cour de justice de la République grants non-lieu to Agnès Buzyn, Edouard Philippe, and Olivier Véran, but highlights grave shortcomings in the COVID-19 crisis management from January to July 2020. The magistrates identify a lack of anticipation, structural dysfunctions, and errors that could have prevented many of the 32,000 deaths. This merciless document could mark the history of France's pandemic response.
Gerald Darmanin forced into discretion to prepare for 2027
Gerald Darmanin has been reconfirmed as Justice Minister despite the Prime Minister's rules against 2027 presidential ambitions. Upon announcement, he suspended his party Populaires and gave up running for mayor of Tourcoing in March 2026. This discretion aims to position him for future politics.
Pension differences reemerge in French inter-union
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As the idea of suspending the 2023 pension reform gains traction, French unions show sharper differences in views. Worker organizations defend varied doctrines on this key issue in the current political crisis. The CFDT reactivates its ambition for a customized regime.
Borne opens door to suspending pension reform
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Resigned Education Minister Élisabeth Borne expressed openness to suspending the 2023 pension reform she championed, if it ensures national stability. This stance, voiced in a Le Parisien interview, aims to extend a hand to socialists amid the political crisis after Sébastien Lecornu's resignation. Olivier Faure hailed a 'positive awakening'.
Sébastien Lecornu renounces article 49.3 for 2026 budget
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France's new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, announced on Friday that he would renounce using article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass the 2026 budget. This decision aims to foster consensus in Parliament. He also reaffirmed his opposition to any rollback of the pension reform.
Delay in family allowances increase from 14 to 18 years
The French government plans to delay the age for increasing family allowances for the second child from 14 to 18 years, a move worrying family advocates. This decision, revealed by Le Parisien on October 17, 2025, will affect five million households from spring 2026. It is based on a study questioning cost differences between children under and over 14 years old.
Sébastien Lecornu suspends pension reform to avoid censure
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In his general policy speech to the National Assembly on October 14, 2025, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the suspension of the pension reform until 2028, a concession to socialists to avert a censure motion. The Socialist Party confirmed it would not censure the government immediately, while right-wing voices voiced opposition. This move aims to stabilize the country and pass a budget by year's end.