French PM Bayrou Outlines Policy Agenda in Bid to Avoid Government Censure
Bayrou's speech to Parliament addresses pensions, budgetary reforms, immigration, and electoral changes amid political instability.
- Prime Minister François Bayrou announced plans to revisit the 2023 pension reform, proposing a transparent, short-term review process with unions and employers to address controversial retirement age changes.
- Bayrou emphasized the urgency of adopting the 2025 budget, targeting a public deficit of 5.4% of GDP and proposing significant savings and structural reforms to public administration.
- The Prime Minister proposed electoral system reforms, including the introduction of proportional representation and a potential return to dual mandates for local and national officeholders.
- On immigration, Bayrou called for stricter regulation and enforcement, including addressing the low execution rate of deportation orders, while framing the issue as one of national cohesion.
- Bayrou pledged increased health spending, including full wheelchair reimbursement starting in 2025, and announced a plan to address housing shortages with the construction of new student housing.
















































































