François Hollande Backs Censure Motion Against Government Over Retirement Reform Failure
François Hollande voices support for the Socialist Party's motion of censure against the government for failing to deliver on retirement reforms.
Key Points
- • Hollande supports PS censure motion against PM Bayrou if RN does not join.
- • His stance shifted due to Bayrou's failure to present a retirement law as promised.
- • The motion aims to address the lack of parliamentary debate on retirement age.
- • LFI criticizes the PS for not uniting with other left parties on this issue.
François Hollande, the former president of France, has publicly endorsed a motion of censure against Prime Minister François Bayrou, a significant political move spurred by the government's failure to deliver a promised retirement reform bill. In a recent interview with *Le Parisien*, Hollande clarified that his support for the Socialist Party's (PS) motion is contingent upon the far-right National Rally (RN) not participating in the initiative.
Originally opposed to the idea of a censure, Hollande shifted his position after Bayrou failed to fulfill commitments made during a January 2025 discussion with Socialists regarding forthcoming deliberations on retirement policies, notably concerning the proposed adjustments to the retirement age. "I have a principled position: not to add instability to immobility. However, I understand the Socialist group's approach to send a warning to the government that has failed to meet its commitment to submit a text on retirement," Hollande stated.
The Socialist Party has been vocal about Bayrou's apparent neglect of parliamentary processes surrounding age adjustments for retirement, which they argue should be lowered to 62 years. The dissatisfaction stemmed from the Prime Minister's failure to foster dialogue as initially promised, causing the PS to file the motion of censure as a form of protest.
Meanwhile, the leftist party La France Insoumise (LFI) criticized the PS's unilateral approach, asserting that a more collective effort from left-wing parties would be necessary to meaningfully challenge the government's policies. They expressed concern that failure to support the motion would essentially allow the current government, which has been associated with the controversial retirement age of 64, to continue unchallenged.
Hollande has also expressed his support for broader reforms concerning women's pensions and has advocated for penalties-free lower retirement ages, emphasizing the need for equitable policies outside of employer objections. The unfolding political discourse reflects the profound divisions within the left as they navigate their opposition to Bayrou's government amidst pressing social issues related to retirement.