France: Emmanuel Macron loses absolute majority after defectors create new group

French President Emmanuel Macron lost an outright majority in parliament after 10 members from ruling party defected to create an independent group. Macron’s La République En Marche (LREM) held an absolute majority in parliament since 2017, but defectors created ar group named ‘Ecology, Democracy, Solidarity’ to force French President to opt for more left-oriented policies.

defectors have accused Macron of compromising on his centrist promises and argued that French President has actually been running a conservative government. In 577-seat strong National Assembly, LREM has w reportedly 288 seats, one short of majority mark. Finance Minister Bru Le Maire hit out at defectors saying he regrets that some people want to reopen left-right division.

defection has been ar blow to Macron’s term in office which has been marred by demonstrations by yellow vest protestors and workers opposing reform to national pension system. In December 2019, doctors, teachers and workers at Eiffel tower walked off from job to resist pension reforms proposed by French President.

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Tenure marred with protests

Macron wants to move away from system of dozens of pension schemes to a universal points-based pension system, aimed at rewarding employees based on ir daily work. Unions were unhappy with pension reforms since y were being forced to retire later or avail reduced pensions. 

Macron’s approval rating dipped even furr after France struggled to contain coronavirus pandemic with over 28,000 deaths related to infectious disease. European Union member has reported nearly 180,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and looks to have flattened curve after stringent measures.

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(Im: AP)