New French PM promises talks on revising pension reforms
In a much-awaited speech setting out the major markers of his government's policy, France's new prime minister François Bayrou announced on Monday he will re-open talks on a possible revision of Emmanuel Macron's unpopular pension reforms, in a bid to garner the support of socialist MPs and their allies in order to survive a no-confidence vote in the hung French parliament.
FrenchFrench Prime Minister Francois Bayrou on Tuesday opened the door to renegotiating a 2023 pension reform, in a bid to win over left-wing lawmakers he needs to pass the 2025 budget, reports FRANCE 24.
Bayrou, who delivered the message to lawmakers in a key policy speech setting out his governing principles, proposed to entrust trade unions and employers groups with a three-month mission to find a new deal on pension reforms.
He said the minimum age of 64 to draw a full pension, the most contested part of the 2023 reform, should not be a taboo.
But he warned that France's growing debt pile was a "sword of Damocles" hanging over future generations' heads, and that the new "conclave" in charge of exploring a new pension pact will have to propose a deal that is financially balanced.
