French Pension Reform Talks Falter as Key Groups Withdraw
The retirement reform conclave is on the verge of collapse after three major organizations exit over disputes on the retirement age and negotiation framework.
- The CGT, FO, and U2P have left the retirement reform conclave, citing dissatisfaction with the government's refusal to consider lowering the retirement age to 62.
- Prime Minister François Bayrou has firmly ruled out a return to the previous retirement age, emphasizing the need to maintain financial balance.
- The remaining participants, including the CFDT and Medef, are working to reframe discussions independently, potentially broadening the scope to include social protection reforms.
- Public protests, led by unions like the CGT, continue to demand the repeal of the 2023 pension reform and advocate for a retirement age of 60 or 62.
- With only five of the original eight organizations still involved, the conclave's future remains uncertain, raising doubts about its ability to achieve meaningful outcomes.
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