The French government is to reinstate its pension reform negotiations with the social partners, it has been revealed.

According to French newspaper, Le Figaro, in an address to the senate, yesterday, 8 July, new Prime Minister, Jean Castex, said that he has a responsibility to "reopen the dialogue".

The plans for the pension reforms were put on hold in March as a result of the coronavirus crisis. However, the government’s plans had caused unrest in the country, which led to widespread protests and union action.

Castex reportedly said that he will bring together the social partners on 20 July to discuss pension reforms.

"Refusing to talk about pensions when the balance of accounts, and therefore the safeguarding of the current system is compromised, would be irresponsible. I will reopen the dialogue, the trade union organizations will come to discuss with me and we will agree on a method and a timetable,” the Prime Minister stated.

In addition, President Emmanuel Macron, reportedly told French regional newspapers that the pension reforms should not be consigned to the dustbin as “that would be a mistake”.

The reform is set to completely overhaul France’s pension system by consolidating the country’s 42 current regimes into one single pension system. The government also wants to raise the age at which citizens are eligible for a full pension but was forced to back down on this due to pressure from unions.

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