French Prime Minister François Bayrou has announced his willingness to revise the country’s unpopular pension law, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64 years old. The move comes as President Emmanuel Macron’s government faces growing opposition and unrest over the law.
The law, championed by Macron, was met with mass street demonstrations and protests in France, with critics arguing that it unfairly affects older workers. Bayrou, a centrist ally of Macron, has laid out his plan for discussing changes to the retirement law, but it’s unclear if he can build enough support in Parliament.
France is facing a series of economic challenges, including a ballooning debt and deficit, and a weak economy. The government’s revised growth forecast for 2025 is also lower than expected, with a public deficit projected to reach 5.4% of France’s gross domestic product.
Bayrou has acknowledged the need to address the pension law’s contentious provisions but emphasized the importance of financial stability. He will establish a special group made up of union members and business representatives to discuss any changes, which will report back in three months.
The move is seen as an attempt by Bayrou to buy time and reduce tensions with protesters. However, critics remain skeptical, and far-left parties have already threatened a no-confidence vote. With Macron’s government facing intense scrutiny, Bayrou’s ability to navigate this complex situation remains uncertain.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/world/europe/france-prime-minister-bayrou-retirement-age.html