French PM Bayrou Rejects Return to Retirement Age of 62
Prime Minister François Bayrou cites financial challenges and international pressures in ruling out a rollback of France's retirement age to 62, sparking criticism from unions and political opponents.
- François Bayrou stated that returning the retirement age to 62 is not viable, emphasizing the need for financial balance in private and public pension systems.
- Unions, including the CGT and CFDT, accused Bayrou of undermining ongoing social dialogue, calling his remarks a betrayal of prior agreements to keep all options open.
- Political figures from across the spectrum, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Édouard Philippe, criticized Bayrou's stance, with some declaring the current negotiations effectively over.
- Bayrou defended the importance of the 'conclave' discussions with social partners but rejected proposals for increased taxes or sweeping age reductions as solutions.
- The decision comes in the context of heightened international tensions, increased defense spending, and a projected pension deficit of €30 billion by 2045.
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