France’s new prime minister, François Bayrou, has announced plans to renegotiate a contentious plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. The move is aimed at seeking more stability for his minority government amid mass protests and criticisms from various political parties.
Bayrou vowed to seek a “new path of reform” without taboos or restrictions on key issues, including pension changes. He emphasized the need for a guaranteed financing mechanism to back the reforms.
The plan comes as Bayrou’s Cabinet faces a fragile deal between Macron’s centrist allies and conservatives of The Republicans party, which has no parliamentary majority. The Socialists have accepted talks with Bayrou, but their goal remains to withdraw the reform and maintain the retirement age at 62.
Meanwhile, far-right leader Marine Le Pen still holds significant influence, having instrumental in ousting the previous government. Her National Rally party has a powerful presence in parliament, and her “red lines” remain unchanged – opposing budget measures that would raise medication costs, provide more healthcare for migrants, or impose new taxes on businesses.
Bayrou’s proposal to renegotiate the pension plan aims to secure stability and prevent further instability. However, the outcome is uncertain, with potential risks of another no-confidence vote looming large.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/france-prime-minister-bayrou-budget-4db40ba3b61cf2c2360e3d4ecf3b79ec