Macron is weak both at home and abroad. He eventually pushed through a breakthrough reform without a vote.

• What is it about? French analyst Marie Krpata explains that pension legislation was a key part of Macron's election program. "If he had failed in this matter, his reputation would have been significantly damaged," she told Denník N.

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• Given the significantly fragmented French National Assembly, it is highly unlikely that a vote of no confidence in the government would be successful. As analyst Krpata explains, it is very unlikely that representatives of the far left would vote together with Marine Le Pen's party on a single proposal.

"Prime Minister BORNE has already used Article 49.3 eleven times. Its activation is in line with French democracy and the constitution, but still indicates the crisis of trust that is currently being experienced," explains the expert. According to her, this article should be an exceptional step, not the norm. Two-thirds of the population are against it.

Borne's decision was strongly criticized by Le Pen and other opposition leaders, and massive protests broke out in the country, against which the police had to intervene with tear gas. Security forces detained more than two hundred people.

• All French trade unions, including those with a reputation for being more moderate, supported the demonstrations against the reform. Analyst Krpata says it would be a mistake to narrow the topic of the current legislation only to pensions.

• In reality, it is largely about whether France is fair to people in lower income brackets and women. "Less wealthy groups of the population have a strong sense of injustice, which is compounded by the consequences of the pandemic," explains Krpata.

According to polls, two-thirds of the French do not support the law, and even almost 75 percent of women, who, according to some calculations, have up to 40 percent lower pensions compared to men.

Macron may have "saved face" with his own voters, but according to the expert, he has also shown that "he is not willing to yield to street pressure, which gives the impression of an inflexible leader."

"Many see him as an elitist disconnected from reality who does not perceive the everyday life of ordinary French people. Using Article 49.3 to approve one of the key reforms is an example that he prefers to keep his promises before social dialogue."

In the context of the discussion on pensions, the expert also notes the debate on the French labor market. "Many French people between the ages of 30 and 40 feel disillusioned with the lack of job opportunities and the inability to find work," she argues.

• "There is a prevailing impression that employment is not decided by education but by social origin. This situation questions the model of the entire republic, which claims to be meritocratic."

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Macron seeks alternatives to Germany

Analyst Krpata explains that Macron is weakened not only domestically but also internationally. After Russia's attack on Ukraine, France found itself on the edge of the European Union, according to her.

• "Macron is facing criticism for delayed assistance to Ukraine and for seeking dialogue with President Vladimir Putin, even though it was clear that they would not agree on anything," she continues.

She reminds that Germany turned to the United States for defense and energy issues. On the other hand, despite the "great fanfare," the long-awaited 60th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty between Paris and Berlin did not produce any results.

• "France is thus trying to turn to Spain, Italy, or the United Kingdom. We see that this is how it is looking for alternatives to its relationship with Germany, which has the reputation of being the engine of the European Union," Krpata notes.

In recent years, Macron has often spoken about the "strategic autonomy" of the European Union. According to the analyst, this is currently more necessary and illusory at the same time.

• "Necessary because the Union needs to invest more in its defense to be able to face threats like Russia. But also illusory, because autonomy that does not include the United States currently seems unimaginable."

Krpata notes that France is losing influence in Africa, from where it has withdrawn troops from the Central African Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso in recent times: "Due to strong anti-Western and anti-French attitudes, Russia and China are succeeding in the region."

In Africa, Macron declared that the era of French influence on the continent has ended, and his government no longer wants to pursue policies that are often perceived in the region as neocolonialist.

In April, Macron is scheduled to visit China. Krpata adds that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was already in Beijing at the end of last year. According to her, the fact that he did not go with any other European representative but with trade representatives also shows a cooling of relations with France.