In brief
In a bold move aimed at soothing tensions, Prime Minister François Bayrou of France is reconsidering the divisive pension reform that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. Announcing his willingness to revisit the law, Bayrou seeks to garner support within a fractured National Assembly, lack of consensus having already led to a no-confidence vote and the resignation of the previous government. Appointed just weeks ago, Bayrou’s centrist stance and cooperation with President Emmanuel Macron presents a challenge, as the legislature is split amongst left, center, and far-right factions that have struggled to agree on the nation’s 2025 budget. The upcoming discussions around the retirement law could serve as a catalyst for stability in a government that remains on the brink of collapse.
