Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) is set to back a motion by the left-populist France Unbowed (LFI) party to overturn President Emmanuel Macron’s contentious increase in the state pension age. The LFI, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, is the largest party in the far-left coalition that secured the most seats in France’s recent legislative elections.

Macron’s pension reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, ignited widespread protests and riots last year. Critics argue that the policy contradicts claims that immigration would sustain the welfare system as Western populations age. Despite lacking a parliamentary majority, Macron invoked presidential powers to enforce the changes, a strategy that may prove more difficult with the pro-Macron faction now holding fewer seats than the far left.

Loiret Thomas Ménagé, an RN lawmaker, emphasized the potential for a joint effort to repeal the reforms. “The only majority available on this text is with the deputies of the RN group. The repeal of the pension reform is also part of our program,” Ménagé stated.

Marine Le Pen announced plans to introduce a similar bill on October 31, challenging lawmakers to take a stand on social justice. “We will then see who will be on the side of social justice… or not!” she declared.

Historically, France’s establishment and far-left parties have shunned legislation proposed by Le Pen’s party. However, the RN has shown willingness to support measures from other groups if they align with their vision for the French people. This cross-party support on pension issues contrasts with the RN’s opposition to the Macronist faction, which has worked to exclude the right-populists from key parliamentary roles despite the RN winning the largest share of the popular vote.

As France navigates these political dynamics, the alliance between the populist right and the far left underscores the widespread discontent with Macron’s policies and highlights the shifting landscape of French politics.