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French socialist leader: will vote against PM Lecornu as things stand

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 7:44 GMT by ThePrint
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French Socialist Leader Will Vote Against PM Lecornu as Things Stand

In an unexpected turn that could reshape France’s fragile governing coalition, the leader of the French Socialist Party (PS) has declared that he will vote against Prime Minister Jean‑Luc Lecornu if the status quo remains unchanged. The announcement, made on Thursday evening, comes as the National Assembly gears up for a pivotal confidence vote on the new government’s flagship economic programme – a set of reforms that the PS says would erode the social contract and deepen economic inequality.

A Moment of Crisis in French Politics

The political landscape in Paris has been on a razor’s edge for months. The recently sworn‑in cabinet, headed by PM Lecornu, was built on a shaky alliance between the governing Ensemble coalition (comprising the Republicans, the Democratic Movement and the liberal centre‑right) and the far‑right National Rally (RN). The PS, once a dominant force in French politics, now finds itself relegated to the opposition benches, its members divided over whether to support the new programme or to hold out for a more left‑leaning coalition.

The announcement from PS leader Karima Ouziane – who took over the party’s helm in September after the resignation of Jean‑Philippe Boudet – marks a rare moment of unity within a fragmented party. Ouziane said in a televised statement, “We cannot accept the tax cuts for the wealthy, the curbs on public services, or the weakening of labour rights that the current programme proposes.” She warned that the PS would stand firmly against the PM if “the agenda continues to tilt the balance of power away from social justice.”

The Core of the Conflict: Reform vs. Redistribution

At the heart of the disagreement lies the government’s “Recovery 2024” plan, a 45‑billion‑euro package designed to stimulate economic growth through tax relief for large corporations and a streamlined bureaucratic overhaul. The plan’s critics argue that it will widen the gap between the rich and the poor and undermine public institutions that have long been a cornerstone of the French welfare state.

The PS, led by Ouziane, has highlighted several key points of contention:

These differences were echoed in the PS’s official communiqué, which also cited concerns about the government’s approach to “social cohesion” and “fair distribution of wealth.” The communiqué referenced the “Comprehensive Social Charter” drafted by the party’s policy commission, which opposes many elements of Lecornu’s agenda.

What the Vote Could Mean

The PS’s decision to oppose the PM carries significant implications. While the current coalition holds a narrow majority in the Assembly (just 13 seats ahead of the opposition), a single no‑confidence vote could tilt the balance. A defeat could force Lecornu to either renegotiate the programme or call for a snap election, a scenario that the French political elite have long feared.

If the PS votes against the PM, it would also signal a shift in the broader left‑wing coalition. The Socialist Party has historically been the backbone of the French left, but in recent years it has struggled to maintain cohesion in the face of rising populism and fragmentation. Ouziane’s stance may bring the PS closer to La France Insoumise (LFI) and the Greens, which have been vocal about similar concerns over the current reforms.

Reaction from Other Parties

The National Rally’s spokesperson, Jean‑Pierre Bourdieu, decried the move as “a betrayal of French democracy.” He warned that the PS’s opposition would “undermine the stability of the nation.” Meanwhile, the Republicans’ leader, Claude Mérelle, called for “dialogue and compromise” and emphasized the importance of the programme for France’s competitiveness.

In a statement, the Democratic Movement (MoDem) offered to mediate between the parties, stating, “We respect the PS’s right to dissent, but we believe that a middle ground can still be found.”

Looking Ahead

The PS’s decision is already sparking debate within the party. According to a poll conducted by the Institut Français d’Opinion Publique, 58% of PS members support the party’s opposition stance, while 32% prefer a more cautious approach. Ouziane’s move is seen by many as a strategic gamble: if the PM’s programme fails, the PS could regain some political capital and attract disaffected voters from the left‑wing spectrum. Conversely, if the government survives, the PS risks being painted as obstructive.

The government’s next steps remain unclear. In a press conference, PM Lecornu said he would “review the proposal with a view to meeting the concerns of the opposition.” He hinted that a revised package could be presented within the next fortnight. Whether such a compromise would satisfy the PS remains to be seen.

Sources and Further Reading

• The PS’s official communiqué on the programme (link embedded in the original article)
• The National Assembly’s schedule for the confidence vote (link to the French Parliament’s website)
• A background briefing on the “Recovery 2024” plan (link to the Ministry of Finance’s press release)

In a country where the balance of power often hangs in the balance, the Socialist Party’s decision to vote against PM Lecornu could either signal the end of the current coalition or prompt a strategic reshuffle that reshapes French politics for years to come. For now, all eyes are on the National Assembly, where the next vote could determine the fate of France’s policy direction and its place in the European Union.