French PM Lecornu escapes first no confidence vote after major concessions

France's government on Thursday survived a first vote of no confidence held in the National Assembly, after a pledge by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to suspend a landmark reform of the pension system won him the support of some left-wing lawmakers.

The motion, filed by the hard-left, was backed by 271 members of parliament. 289 votes were needed for the motion to pass.

The far-right National Rally also filed a no confidence motion which will be voted on shortly.