French PM meets unions for final talks on pension reforms

PARIS, France – French Prime Minister François Bayrou has convened industry and union leaders in Paris today for a final round of negotiations, dubbed the ‘pension conclave’, aimed at resolving widespread discontent over the 2023 pension reforms, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.

The reforms, backed by President Macron and passed via Article 49.3 in March 2023, provoked national strikes and fierce protests that paralyzed the country. With public support still deeply divided, Bayrou has tasked unions and employers to negotiate adjustments that could close the looming staffing and financing gap by decade’s end.

Several unions reportedly exited early from the talks, frustrated by Bayrou’s refusal to reverse the controversial retirement age hike. According to Politico, “no one knows what colour smoke to look for”—a nod to the generational imagery of successful negotiations.

CFDT leader Laurent Berger, a key union figure, has insisted on naming a mediator to drive a compromise, saying the present table “offers a way forward” only if both sides are willing to shift.

Bayrou emphasized that “all options are on the table” as long as the pension system remains sustainable. His office stressed that any tweaks must be fiscally responsible and politically viable heading into budget votes and potential no-confidence motions.

France’s pension deficit is projected to balloon by €13.5 billion annually by 2030 if no adjustments are made. The stakes are high, as ongoing social unrest—strikes, school closures, and transport shutdowns—continue to disrupt the country. If unions and employers fail to reach a deal today, the political pressure on Bayrou’s government could trigger fresh protests and put Macron’s broader reform agenda at risk. The outcome will signal whether France can govern through consensus or if further confrontations lie ahead.