The PS Threatens to Censure the Government if Concessions on the Budget and Pensions Are Not Made

Olivier Faure Calls for Serious Negotiations on Pension Reform
On Monday, January 6, the First Secretary of the PS, Olivier Faure, expressed his party’s determination to secure “remarkable concessions” on the 2025 budget and pension reform. During his meeting with the Minister of the Economy, Éric Lombard, he emphasized the need for “negotiation” and warned that the Socialist Party reserved the right to censure the government if its demands were not met. “We want negotiations,” he stated, stressing that the PS “is ready to take responsibility, including through censure,” while highlighting that it hoped to avoid such an outcome.

The Government Considers Modifying the Pension Reform in Response to PS Pressure
Public Accounts Minister, Amélie de Montchalin, proposed a “modification” of the pension reform at 64 years, although she did not specify the details of this change. This proposal is seen as a positive sign by the socialists, who view it as the result of pressure their party has exerted for several months. Patrick Kanner, president of the Socialist senators, welcomed this development, noting that the proposal could mark a “significant change” in the government’s stance on this sensitive issue. However, the government remains firm in its intention to push ahead with the reform, despite growing criticism.

The 2025 Budget Under Pressure: Ongoing Discussions Between the Government and Left-Wing Parties
Discussions on the 2025 budget continue with several left-wing parties, including the PS, which insists on securing significant adjustments to budget priorities and reforms. The government, for its part, is planning a savings plan of around 50 billion euros and seeks to reach a compromise to avoid a motion of censure. Economy Minister Eric Lombard confirmed that discussions on “fiscal justice” and “social justice” were possible, particularly with the socialists. However, negotiations remain tense, with questions about the true concessions the government might offer.