France's Bayrou Reopens Pension Reform Discussions

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has announced plans to reopen discussions on the controversial pension reform initiated in 2023, which raised the retirement age to 64. In his first policy speech to the National Assembly, Bayrou emphasized the need for a financially balanced agreement and proposed a three-month mission involving trade unions and employers to explore potential changes. This move comes as Bayrou's minority government seeks support from left-wing lawmakers to pass the 2025 budget amid ongoing political turmoil following the early elections called by President Macron in 2024. He stressed that any new proposal must address France's growing debt, which he described as a 'sword of Damocles.' If a balanced deal cannot be reached, the existing reform will remain in place. Bayrou's initiative aims to mend relations with the opposition, especially the Socialists, who previously voted against budget proposals, leading to governmental instability.