Bayrou’s coalition with French Socialists hangs in the balance as pension reform and other key issues remain unresolved.
Bayrou’s offer to form a coalition with the French Socialists (PS) has left some party leaders unconvinced. The PS is demanding clear answers on pension reform and other issues before it will provide its support to Bayrou, who is the new prime minister. If the PS withdraws its confidence in Bayrou, it could lead to another no-confidence vote in parliament.
Bayrou’s strategy of forming a “conclave” behind closed doors with the Socialists aims to buy himself more time and give him an opportunity to negotiate a more just pension system. However, some experts believe that this approach may not be enough to secure the PS’s support, and Bayrou may need to make more concessions.
The far-right National Rally (RN) has declared that it will not vote against the government, but its behavior is uncertain, which could add to the instability in French politics. The upcoming state budget for 2025 will also require parliamentary approval, which could become a contentious issue.
Overall, Bayrou’s efforts to stabilize the government and address the country’s economic and social issues may be hindered by the uncertainty surrounding the Socialists‘ support and the unpredictable behavior of other parties.