Overview

• The Socialist Party brought the vote after months of “taboo-free” talks failed to win agreement on rolling back the 2023 pension reform that raised retirement age to 64.
• Rassemblement National abstained to protect its parliamentary position and shield Marine Le Pen’s seat as she faces a suspended candidacy ban.
• This marks the eighth challenge since January, underlining how Bayrou’s minority cabinet depends on shifting Socialist tolerance and far-right non-support.
• Surviving the vote secures Bayrou’s government until after the break and clears the way for planned €40 billion in budget savings.
• Employer and union negotiations on lowering the retirement age or easing terms for arduous jobs collapsed in late June, leaving reform options stalled.