French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou leaves after the first weekly cabinet meeting of the year of the new French government at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Jan 3, 2025. [Photo/Agencies]
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's first general policy speech at the National Assembly in Paris has left his government on shaky ground.
In the speech on Tuesday, Bayrou addressed the nation's financial challenges, stating, "Since the war, France has never in its history been as indebted as it is today."
Talking about the contentious pension reforms that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, Bayrou acknowledged the need for dialogue, noting, "We can explore a new path for (pension) reform … provided it meets the set requirement."
The Socialist Party, or PS, has struggled to define its position on the proposed pension reforms. Speaking to national television TF1 on Tuesday, PS First Secretary Olivier Faure remarked: "The prime minister has opened a door. That at least is a win."
He acknowledged Bayrou's willingness to discuss alternatives to the retirement age but warned that insufficient guarantees might still lead his party to back the no-confidence vote.
The party's reluctance stems from concerns that the reforms might grant undue influence to employer organizations.
"He gives a veto right to the employer's federation," said Laurent Baumel, PS deputy from Indre-et-Loire, criticizing Bayrou's proposals.
Faure added that unless the government committed to a clear and democratic debate on pension reforms, the Socialists could not rule out a censure motion.
The emotion within the Socialists' camp has been turbulent. Negotiations with Bayrou had initially given Faure the hope of persuading PS deputies against supporting the motion. Promises of pension adjustments and easing burdens on workers initially softened resistance.
However, doubts resurfaced as Bayrou's speech approached, with Faure demanding clear commitments to democratic oversight.
Bayrou's overtures failed to appease other left-wing parties within the New Popular Front, or NFP, coalition. The hard-left France Unbowed party, or LFI, and the French Communist Party swiftly announced their intention to vote against the government.
LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard argued on Tuesday: "If I put myself in the shoes of a Socialist deputy, I fail to see how they could justify not supporting the censure motion."
The Greens party also criticized Bayrou's approach. Pouria Amirshahi, a Greens lawmaker, told Franceinfo TV: "What Francois Bayrou has announced is inadequate. Despite engaging in negotiations in good faith, the government has offered little in return."
Adding to the debate, constitutional scholar Anne-Charlene Bezzina weighed in on Public Senat TV that Bayrou makes appeals to everyone to avoid polarization.
"However, he has not particularly courted the Socialist Party or the National Rally. Instead, he places responsibility on all parties," Bezzina said.
The Socialist Party remains the only significant left-wing group undecided on the motion, prompting both internal and external pressures. A closed-door meeting of PS deputies was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to determine the party's stance.
Meanwhile, Labour Minister Catherine Vautrin announced on Wednesday that a "specialist" would be appointed to facilitate upcoming negotiations, underscoring the government's commitment to dialogue.
Precarious future
Bayrou's government, formed in the wake of last summer's snap elections, faces a precarious future. The motion of no confidence, spearheaded by the LFI, is scheduled for a vote on Thursday.
While the far-right National Rally has declared it will not support the motion, the government's survival hinges on Socialist deputies withholding their votes.
Gerard Raymond, president of France Health Associations, expressed skepticism about Bayrou's broader strategy on Franceinfo TV on Wednesday, saying, "We need structural reform. Injecting more money alone will not improve the healthcare system."
Despite Bayrou's conciliatory gestures, critics argue his government's survival strategy risks alienating all sides.
His plan to grant a three-month negotiation window has been derided as insufficient. If the talks fail, the current pension framework remains, deferring reforms to a future administration.
Reactions from civil society highlight the broader stakes for Bayrou's reforms. Labor unions remain skeptical about the government's ability to implement meaningful changes.
Constitutional scholar Bezzina concluded: "He has placed responsibility on all political actors but has yet to bridge critical divides."
Bayrou's gamble to delay definitive action on pensions may buy time, but whether it ensures stability or exacerbates divisions remains to be seen.
The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.
