French Government Opens Retirement Reform Talks with 'Blank Slate' Approach

Ministers emphasize financial sustainability while unions and employers prepare for contentious negotiations over retirement age and system changes.

The French government has initiated discussions on revising the controversial 2023 pension reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Labor Minister Catherine Vautrin has promised unions and employers complete freedom in negotiations, describing the approach as a 'blank slate.'
Unions aim to roll back the retirement age increase, while employers oppose additional financial contributions and suggest extending working years.
Labor Minister Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet has advocated for longer working lives and proposed discussing partial capitalization within the pension system.
A report by the Cour des Comptes highlights a projected €15 billion pension deficit by 2035, prompting calls for urgent financial adjustments.