French Retirement Reform Talks Teeter as Major Unions Withdraw

The CGT's exit intensifies the fragility of the conclave, leaving only five organizations to attempt restructuring negotiations independently of government leadership.

The CGT, France's second-largest union, left the retirement reform conclave on March 19, citing the government's refusal to consider lowering the retirement age to 62.
Prime Minister François Bayrou has ruled out returning to a retirement age of 62, emphasizing the need to balance the pension system by 2030.
Three organizations—Force Ouvrière, U2P, and CGT—have exited the conclave, criticizing the process as unproductive and misaligned with their priorities.
The remaining five participants, including the CFDT and Medef, are seeking to redefine the negotiation framework independently of government directives.
Public dissatisfaction continues to grow, with calls for protests and support for a potential motion of censure against the government gaining traction.

Courrier International