French Pension Talks Face Turmoil Over Military Spending and Retirement Age

Syndicates and government clash as debates on reversing the 2023 pension reform intersect with calls for increased defense funding.

French unions demand clarity on pension reform discussions, accusing the government of shifting focus from maintaining financial balance to achieving a surplus by 2030.
The controversial 2023 reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, remains a key point of contention, with unions pushing for its repeal.
Comments by the head of the Council on Pensions suggesting raising the retirement age beyond 64 to fund military spending angered unions, who argue social rights should not be sacrificed.
The government’s call for pension system adjustments to address a projected €15 billion deficit by 2035 has deepened divisions among stakeholders.
Prime Minister François Bayrou’s proposal for a referendum on pensions has drawn criticism from unions and political allies, further complicating negotiations.