分类： politics

In a dramatic move ahead of crucial confidence votes, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced his support for suspending the contentious 2023 pension reforms. The reforms, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, were a cornerstone of President Emmanuel Macron’s second term but sparked widespread protests and political unrest. Lecornu, who was reappointed prime minister just days after resigning, faces a precarious political landscape and relies on the support of Socialist MPs to maintain his government’s stability. Addressing parliament, he proposed suspending the reforms until the 2027 presidential election, a statement met with applause from left-wing parties. Opposition factions, including far-right and far-left groups, have called for confidence votes, known as ‘censure’ motions, scheduled for Thursday. They are demanding early parliamentary elections. The Socialists have conditioned their support on an explicit commitment to suspend Macron’s pension reforms entirely. Laurent Baumel, a Socialist MP, emphasized that Lecornu’s political survival hinges on this promise. The reforms, enacted in March 2023 using a constitutional mechanism to bypass a parliamentary vote, remain a divisive issue, with Lecornu acknowledging their legacy as a ‘wound on democracy.’ He also highlighted the financial implications of suspending the reforms, estimating costs of €400 million in 2026 and €1.8 billion in 2027, which would require compensatory savings. Amid France’s economic challenges, including a budget deficit projected at 5.4% of GDP and public debt nearing 114% of GDP, Lecornu’s ability to navigate these crises will determine his tenure.

BRUSSELS — Tens of thousands of demonstrators descended upon Brussels on Tuesday to voice their opposition to Prime Minister Bart de Wever’s proposed austerity measures, leading to clashes with police and widespread disruptions. Belgian authorities resorted to tear gas to disperse the crowds, as minor skirmishes erupted between law enforcement and protesters. The demonstrators, armed with drums, horns, flares, and smoke bombs, chanted slogans against cuts to social welfare programs, crippling traffic in the capital and major transportation hubs. The protest, organized by Belgium’s three major trade unions, was accompanied by nationwide strikes targeting De Wever’s plans to reduce spending on pensions and healthcare. While organizers claimed over 150,000 participants, police estimated the crowd at 80,000. The Federal Planning Office of Belgium predicts the country’s budget deficit will surge to 6.5% of GDP by 2030, exacerbating economic challenges. De Wever, a Flemish nationalist who assumed office in February, has vowed to implement stringent fiscal measures to address these issues. The unrest underscores the growing public discontent with his administration’s policies.

France’s political landscape remains turbulent as newly reappointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu navigates a precarious path to avoid a no-confidence vote. The crisis stems from President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to reinstate Lecornu, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from both the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, and the far-left France Unbowed. These parties have swiftly submitted censure motions, set for debate on Thursday, aiming to destabilize the government. While neither party holds sufficient seats to unseat Lecornu independently, their alliance with the Socialist Party and Green lawmakers could spell trouble for the prime minister. Lecornu’s immediate challenge is to secure approval for the 2026 budget, a task complicated by widespread opposition to Macron’s controversial pension reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. Nobel Prize-winning economist Philippe Aghion has joined calls to suspend the reform until the 2027 presidential election, arguing it would help calm the political climate. Macron’s centrist camp, lacking a majority in the National Assembly, faces mounting criticism and internal dissent. The president’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly last year led to a hung parliament and prolonged political paralysis, exacerbating France’s economic challenges, including rising poverty and a debt crisis that has alarmed EU partners and markets alike.

In a ceremonial meeting at Rome’s Quirinale Palace on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV expressed gratitude to Italy for its significant efforts in combating human trafficking and welcoming migrants. The event, marked by grandeur and tradition, saw the Pope escorted by the presidential horse honor guard as he met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Leo, adorned in his formal red cape and brocaded stole, praised Italy’s “generous assistance” to migrants, particularly during the 2025 Holy Year, which has drawn millions of pilgrims and tourists to the Eternal City. He urged Italy to maintain its spirit of openness and solidarity while emphasizing the importance of integrating newcomers into Italian society. This message resonates deeply in Italy, a key player in Europe’s migration debate due to its proximity to North Africa, where many smuggling operations originate. The Pope’s stance contrasts with the Italian government’s hard-line policies under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which prioritize curbing illegal migration through measures such as deportations and prosecuting smugglers. Despite these differences, the meeting highlighted the enduring and unique relationship between Italy and the Vatican, rooted in centuries of shared history and formalized by the 1929 Lateran Treaty. The event underscored the Vatican’s ongoing advocacy for compassion and integration in migration policies, even as Italy navigates its complex role in the European migration crisis.