French Retirement Reform Talks on Brink of Collapse as Key Unions Exit

The government's refusal to consider lowering the retirement age to 62 has led to major departures, leaving the conclave hanging by a thread.

The CGT, one of France's largest unions, exited the retirement reform conclave on March 19, citing broken promises and dissatisfaction with the government's stance.
Prime Minister François Bayrou has ruled out lowering the retirement age to 62, emphasizing the need to balance the retirement system by 2030.
Force Ouvrière (FO) and the U2P had already left earlier, with FO labeling the negotiations a 'masquerade' and U2P opposing discussions on reducing the retirement age.
Only three unions (CFDT, CFTC, CFE-CGC) and two employer organizations (Medef, CPME) remain in the talks, which are increasingly fragile.
Public opinion remains divided, with 56% of French citizens favoring a return to the retirement age of 62, adding pressure on the government to address widespread dissatisfaction.