Overview

• Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister François Bayrou, stating that Parliament must be consulted on the pension reform or a motion of censure will follow.
• Bayrou has reiterated his refusal to lower the retirement age from 64 to 62, a key demand from unions and opposition leaders during ongoing discussions.
• The Socialist Party is pressuring Bayrou for at least a symbolic concession, such as adjusting the retirement age to 63, to avoid political fallout and maintain stability in Parliament.
• Internal divisions within the Socialist Party complicate their stance, as some members fear that censuring the government could lead to the dissolution of Parliament and jeopardize their political standing.
• Negotiations between unions, employers, and the government continue, but deep disagreements persist, leaving the reform’s future uncertain and raising stakes for all parties involved.