Lecornu backs delaying rise in French retirement age until after 2027 presidential election – as it happened

The French government's pension reform, pushed through by President Macron using article 49.3, has sparked significant backlash, revealing deep divisions in governance. This unpopular move has not only angered the electorate but also created a volatile atmosphere in parliament. As the government faces mounting challenges, the reform, once seen as a cornerstone of Macron's agenda, is now viewed as a potential turning point for his presidency. Understanding this situation is crucial as it highlights the fragility of democratic processes in times of crisis.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced that the controversial pension reform will be put on hold until after the 2027 presidential election. This decision reflects the government's intention to prioritize unity and collaboration across party lines, especially as a no-confidence vote approaches. The suspension of the reform is significant as it may influence public sentiment and political dynamics leading up to the election.

The Kremlin has expressed its willingness to engage in peace talks regarding the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, as stated by spokesman Dmitry Peskov. While Moscow is open to negotiations, it also emphasizes that it will continue its military operations. This development is significant as it highlights the complexities of the situation, where dialogue is sought amidst ongoing hostilities, potentially impacting future diplomatic efforts.

During the Gaza Summit, President Trump humorously pointed out that French President Emmanuel Macron was notably absent from the spotlight while he spoke about the Israel-Gaza peace agreement in Egypt. This light-hearted jab highlights the dynamics between the two leaders and their countries' roles in international diplomacy, especially in the context of Middle Eastern peace efforts.

France is facing a significant political crisis as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu returns to power after a brief resignation. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle within the French democracy, where the concentration of presidential powers raises concerns about the balance of governance. The implications of this crisis are profound, as it challenges the very foundations of democratic principles in France, making it a critical moment for the nation's political future.

The ongoing political crisis in France is intensifying as President Macron, attending a summit in Egypt, refuses to resign amidst no-confidence motions from his opponents. National Assembly president Yaël Braun-Pivet has expressed support for the newly appointed government led by Sébastien Lecornu, urging for calm and constructive discussions as parliament reconvenes. This situation is significant as it highlights the challenges Macron faces in maintaining stability and governance in France, reflecting broader concerns about political unity and public trust.

President Macron has introduced a new 35-member cabinet aimed at overcoming a political stalemate in France. This lineup features prominent figures such as Jean-Noel Barrot for foreign affairs and Catherine Vautrin for defense, alongside newcomers like Monique Barbut. Notably, Gerald Darmanin and Rachida Dati retain their positions despite facing controversies. This reshuffle is significant as it reflects Macron's strategy to strengthen his government and address pressing national issues.

French President Emmanuel Macron has shown resilience in the face of political turmoil, indicating he will not step down despite the challenges surrounding his government. His recent relationship with former Prime Minister Olivier Lécornu has taken a surprising turn, suggesting a complex dynamic in French politics. This matters because it highlights the ongoing instability in France's political landscape and Macron's determination to maintain his position, which could have significant implications for future governance and policy direction.

France's President Emmanuel Macron has introduced a new government led by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, which is tasked with presenting the draft budget for 2026 by Monday. This development is significant as it comes at a crucial time for the French government, highlighting the ongoing efforts to manage the country's financial planning and economic stability.

The Kremlin has criticized Moldova's security strategy, labeling it a 'grave mistake' for antagonizing Russia. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, emphasized that this confrontational approach could escalate tensions in the region. This matters because Moldova's alignment against Russia may have significant implications for its security and diplomatic relations, especially given the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.

SpaceX has achieved a significant milestone by successfully landing its 11th Starship test flight on October 14, 2025. This accomplishment comes at a time when there were doubts about the spacecraft's capabilities. The rocket launched from Texas, flew halfway around the globe, deployed mock satellites, and landed in the Indian Ocean, showcasing the potential of SpaceX's technology and paving the way for future space exploration.

Canadian Tire has reported a data breach that may have compromised the personal information of online shoppers with e-commerce accounts. This incident raises concerns about the security of customer data and highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting consumer information. As more people shop online, breaches like this can undermine trust in e-commerce platforms.

The Rafah crossing remains closed as Israel accuses Hamas of violating the ceasefire by failing to return the bodies of hostages. This situation is critical as it not only affects the humanitarian aid flow into Gaza but also escalates tensions in the region. Reports of casualties from Israeli drone strikes in Gaza further complicate the fragile ceasefire, highlighting the ongoing violence and the urgent need for a resolution.

The search for the remains of Israeli hostages killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, as the International Committee of the Red Cross has indicated that it will take time to recover the bodies due to the challenging conditions in Gaza. Recently, Hamas returned four bodies, which have been identified by the Israeli military, but 24 more remain unaccounted for under the ceasefire terms. This situation highlights the ongoing complexities and humanitarian concerns surrounding the conflict.

The tragic death of Theo Treharne-Jones in a hotel pool in June 2019 is under scrutiny as an inquest examines the safety measures in place, particularly the door locks. This investigation is crucial as it highlights the importance of ensuring child safety in public spaces, prompting discussions about necessary improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Socialist Party has expressed a willingness to engage in discussions regarding Prime Minister Lecornu's draft budget, signaling a potential easing of tensions within the government. This openness to dialogue is significant as it may lead to a more collaborative approach in addressing fiscal policies, which could ultimately benefit the country's economic stability and governance.