Pension Reform: Ongoing Negotiations as Socialists Remain Cautious

Discussions have been ongoing for a week at Bercy between the government and opposition political leaders to reach a compromise on the pension reform and avoid a vote of no confidence. However, Olivier Faure, First Secretary of the Socialist Party, stated on BFMTV on Sunday, January 12, that “the deal is not there yet.”

The government, with the exception of La France Insoumise, which has refused to participate, is attempting to negotiate with left-wing parties, including the Socialists, to incorporate measures into the budget and prevent a no-confidence vote, similar to the one aimed at Michel Barnier last month. Olivier Faure expressed that he expects Prime Minister François Bayrou to use the key word “suspension” during his general policy statement on Tuesday.

The Socialist leader emphasized the importance of safeguarding the pay-as-you-go pension system without placing the financial burden on the most vulnerable. “We do not want to censure just for the sake of it. Our goal is to achieve compromises that benefit the French people,” he stated.

He also responded to comments from Senate President Gérard Larcher, a member of Les Républicains, who opposes any suspension or repeal of the reform. Faure downplayed the influence of the right, calling for people to “stop catching a cold every time Gérard Larcher sneezes.”

In this tense context, the government may consider concessions toward the Socialists, Greens, and Communists to find a resolution and ease tensions. For now, discussions remain ongoing, but “the government’s efforts are not sufficient yet,” Olivier Faure concluded.