French Socialist Party Moves to Dismiss Prime Minister François Bayrou Amid Pension Reform Crisis
The French Socialist Party announced on Tuesday its intention to oust Prime Minister François Bayrou following the collapse of pension reform negotiations earlier this week, reports 24brussels. The center-left party had previously refrained from opposing the government during four months of discussions with trade unions and industry representatives regarding the controversial 2023 law that increased the minimum retirement age for most workers. After negotiations failed, the Socialists called for a reopening of the pensions debate in parliament, a request that Bayrou declined.
Other left-wing factions expressed support for the Socialists’ effort to topple the government, but passing a no-confidence vote will require additional backing from the far-right.
“If we censure François Bayrou in the coming days, the [2023] pensions reform will stay in place,” stated National Rally spokesperson Sébastien Chenu.
Chenu also indicated that the National Rally would seek to use its power to demand concessions from Bayrou on energy or migration policies during upcoming budget discussions this fall.
This strategy mirrors the approach taken towards Bayrou’s predecessor, Michel Barnier, when the National Rally succeeded in gaining numerous policy victories during budget talks, although it eventually chose to withdraw support due to proposed tax increases.
Bayrou’s political survival now largely depends on the forthcoming decisions of the National Rally, following the loss of tacit support from the Socialists.
In response to Chenu’s remarks, government spokesperson Sophie Primas emphasized that proposals “from every political group” would be considered in the upcoming budget discussions. The government is set to unveil its initial proposals next month, aiming to find €40 billion in savings to address a projected deficit hit of 5.6 percent of Gross Domestic Product this year.
