French Politics Divided Over Pension Reform and Budget Cuts

Tensions rise as François Bayrou's government faces criticism on pensions, sports funding, and Socialist Party decisions.

The Socialist Party (PS) faced internal dissent after deciding not to support a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister François Bayrou, leading to accusations of betrayal from its left-wing allies.
The PS's decision has reignited debates about its political alignment, with some members fearing a return to centrist policies reminiscent of François Hollande's presidency.
The French government has proposed significant budget cuts to the Ministry of Sports, including a reduction of 123.5 million euros, sparking backlash from athletes and sports organizations who warn of long-term damage to grassroots sports programs.
François Bayrou initiated a new round of pension reform discussions, aiming to renegotiate the controversial 2023 law that raised the retirement age to 64, with unions demanding a return to 62 and employers resisting increased costs.
The pension reform talks are set to continue until May, with the government emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility while unions and employers remain sharply divided on key issues.