France’s Macron faces growing domestic policy hurdles

Significance

The vote was triggered by opposition parties following the government’s decision to use special constitutional powers to force through controversial pension reforms last week. Opposition to pension reforms has created one of the toughest crises President Emmanuel Macron has had to face since taking office in 2017, and will likely have a significant impact on the future of his domestic policy agenda.

Impacts

• LR’s continued weakness and fragmentation under new leadership will further boost the electoral prospects of the far right.
• The next public demonstration, on March 23, will be an important indicator of likely future public support for the protests and strikes.
• Despite policy obstacles, Macron is unlikely to push for early legislative elections next year.