The French government has survived both of the no-confidence motions tabled against it over its decision to bypass the National Assembly by invoking Article 49:3 to force through its pension reforms.

It narrowly survived the centrist multi-party no-confidence vote, co-signed by Liot and the Nupes Alliance and backed by several left-wing parties, which had 278 votes in favour of passing a no-confidence motion.

Opposition members of parliament needed an absolute majority of 287 votes for the motion to pass.

The second no-confidence motion, brought about by the far-right National Rally, also failed.

If either of the votes had been successful, President, Emmanual Macron, would have been required to name a new government or call an election.

Following his government’s survival of both votes, Macron is now able to sign the pension reforms bill into law.

The bill aims to reform the pension system in France to make it more affordable for the country, with the raising of the retirement age from 62 to 64 being particularly controversial.

It has sparked protests across France since it was introduced earlier this year.

These protests continued yesterday after the announcement that the no-confidence votes were unsuccessful, with more than 100 people arrested.

It seems likely that protests will continue, with France’s main trade unions organising a nationwide day of strike action, scheduled to take place on Thursday (23 March).

Opposition lawmakers were similarly adamant that this was not over, stating that they will continue their attempts to stop the reforms becoming law.

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