French PM Bayrou Suggests Referendum on Pension Reform Amid Political Deadlock

Prime Minister François Bayrou proposes a public vote as unions and political factions clash over the contentious 2023 pension reform.

Prime Minister François Bayrou has proposed a referendum as a potential solution if the ongoing pension reform negotiations reach a deadlock.
The discussions, launched on February 27, aim to address key issues such as the retirement age, women's pensions, and the system's financial stability.
Opposition figures, including LFI's Éric Coquerel, have expressed skepticism, accusing Bayrou of stalling and questioning the potential phrasing of the referendum question.
Some right-wing politicians, like Éric Ciotti, are open to the idea but emphasize the importance of carefully framing the referendum's scope and questions.
Union participation has already faced challenges, with Force Ouvrière withdrawing from the talks, citing political interference and lack of progress.