France's Prime Minister Proposes Pension Reform Talks

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has indicated a willingness to renegotiate the controversial pension reforms implemented by President Emmanuel Macron, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. Bayrou aims to win support from left-wing lawmakers to secure a budget for 2025, emphasizing that the minimum retirement age should not be off-limits for discussion. He warned that France's increasing debt poses a significant risk for future generations, and any new agreement must achieve fiscal balance. If a balanced agreement cannot be reached, the current pension rules will remain in effect. Bayrou's comments come after months of protests against Macron's reforms, which have deeply affected his political standing. He has called for a collaborative effort between trade unions and employer groups to explore potential reforms in an open and transparent manner.