Olivier Faure, the first secretary of the Socialist Party, is advocating for a suspension of the controversial pension reform in exchange for a non-censure vote. He notes a shift in the Bayrou government’s stance, with discussions ongoing about potential adjustments to the reform. Despite resistance from coalition partner LFI, which plans to file a motion of censure, Faure aims to reshape policies and secure funding to support pensions, emphasizing pragmatic solutions for the party’s future.
Olivier Faure’s Strategic Moves in Pension Reform Negotiations
The first secretary of the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, is currently maneuvering to persuade the government to suspend the contentious pension reform. In return, he seeks a non-censure vote, which could mark a significant victory for the left while complicating his relationship with La France Insoumise (LFI).
Former Prime Minister Michel Barnier had swiftly dismissed any changes to this divisive reform, which has garnered widespread criticism from the French public, according to recent polls. However, Faure now perceives a shift in stance from the newly appointed Bayrou government. “I’ve realized one crucial fact: there is no veto from their side,” he articulated on TF1 Thursday morning. “This alone reflects a change, as there was always an invisible barrier preventing any modifications.”
A Collaborative Dialogue for Budget Planning
The new Minister of Economy, Eric Lombard, who aligns with leftist ideals and is described by Faure as “a friend,” appears to be open to engaging in discussions with the left. This dialogue is particularly important as the government prepares for the 2025 budget to prevent a motion of censure. Lombard admitted on France Inter that there is “some room for negotiation” regarding the pension reform, including the contentious retirement age increase from 62 to 64 years in 2023. “We haven’t ruled out making adjustments,” he stated.
Following an initial meeting on Monday with the minister, the Socialist Party returned to negotiations on Wednesday, accompanied by representatives from the Ecologists and Communists. After three hours of talks, Olivier Faure expressed optimism, noting that “it’s a genuine negotiation.” He indicated that the absence of a government veto applies to “the entirety” of the reform, particularly the retirement age aspect.
With a clear ambition to re-establish its governing influence, the Socialist Party is advocating for a suspension of the pension reform and the organization of a financing conference aimed at “restructuring the system” over the coming months. Faure emphasizes the importance of pragmatism, highlighting the need for an annual funding increase of 15 billion euros by the end of the decade to support pensions.
An October report from the National Old Age Insurance Fund, disclosed by the economic publication Les Echos, revealed that abolishing the gradual retirement age increase would incur a cost of 3.4 billion euros in 2025 and nearly 16 billion euros by 2032.
As he prepares for the upcoming PS congress, Faure’s leadership is on the line. “What we are currently doing is evaluating whether there are substantial reasons to avoid a censure,” he stated.
However, his coalition partner within the New Popular Front, LFI, has already committed to filing a motion of censure following François Bayrou’s policy statement on January 14. The negotiations, which LFI has opted out of, have incited ire from Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who criticized the socialists, Ecologists, and Communists for what he perceives as “betrayal” and “subservience.” LFI also denounces the compromises made regarding the New Popular Front’s agenda.
“The left that once demanded everything now stands for nothing,” lamented Faure, expressing his desire to “achieve victories” and alter the course of President Emmanuel Macron’s policies over the past seven years.
In response, insubordinate coordinator Manuel Bompard voiced skepticism to AFP, stating, “You shouldn’t believe in Santa Claus. This government will never reverse the pension reform.” Both the Communists and Ecologists maintain that repealing or at least suspending the reform is a non-negotiable condition for any agreement with the government. However, the Greens remain cautious, stating, “There is still much work ahead to avoid a censure.”