Overview
- The CGT, one of France's largest unions, exited the retirement reform conclave on March 19, citing broken promises and dissatisfaction with the government's stance.
- Prime Minister François Bayrou has ruled out lowering the retirement age to 62, emphasizing the need to balance the retirement system by 2030.
- Force Ouvrière (FO) and the U2P had already left earlier, with FO labeling the negotiations a 'masquerade' and U2P opposing discussions on reducing the retirement age.
- Only three unions (CFDT, CFTC, CFE-CGC) and two employer organizations (Medef, CPME) remain in the talks, which are increasingly fragile.
- Public opinion remains divided, with 56% of French citizens favoring a return to the retirement age of 62, adding pressure on the government to address widespread dissatisfaction.