Overview

• Prime Minister François Bayrou has firmly rejected proposals to lower the retirement age back to 62, citing financial and geopolitical considerations.
• Bayrou stressed the need to balance the private retirement system by 2030 and explore methods for improving the public retirement system's finances.
• He highlighted his disagreement with former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe, emphasizing the importance of social dialogue and involving intermediary bodies in decision-making.
• The Prime Minister dismissed tax increases as a solution for funding government priorities, advocating instead for discussions on increasing workforce productivity and working hours.
• Bayrou also addressed broader challenges, including economic pressures from U.S. tariffs and the need to bolster France's military readiness in light of ongoing global tensions.