Pension reform: Bayrou reports "progress" even though no agreement has been signed

During a press conference at Matignon, François Bayrou presented the conclusions of his "last-ditch" attempt to relaunch social dialogue around pension reform, after four months of "conclave" on the subject. This was an opportunity for him to take stock of the avenues of agreement already reached and identify the remaining stumbling blocks.

Despite the failure of negotiations on Monday , the Prime Minister said he was "impressed by the progress that has been made over the past four months" during the pensions meeting, even if he acknowledged that it did not "result in an immediate agreement" .

François Bayrou reiterated that the financial balance of the system by 2030 remains the prerequisite for any reform. This is a requirement he had set from the start of the negotiations and which had received the support of all social partners. He stated that these discussions had led to "progress," but acknowledged that no agreement had been formally signed.

He also announced that a compromise had been reached to lower the full retirement age from 67 to 66 and a half. Even without an agreement, François Bayrou said he was ready to include "compromise provisions" in the next Social Security budget.

He acknowledged the importance of establishing "better justice" for women , whose maternity complicates the acquisition of pension rights. He announced an agreement that should allow them to have their pension calculated more advantageously. Depending on the number of children, 24 or 23 years will now be taken into account - and no longer the 25 best years. He also stressed the need not to increase the cost of labor.

François Bayrou considered that a "compromise" between the unions and employers was "within reach" on the issue of arduous work, the main sticking point between social partners.

The Prime Minister called on the social partners to reach an agreement so as not to create a "new political and social divide." In the event of disagreement, he assured, " the government will assume its responsibilities" and the text "will be submitted to Parliament in the fall."