François Bayrou presents his General Policy Statement: Key Reforms and Challenges for the Country’s Future

Prime Minister François Bayrou delivered his General Policy Statement to the National Assembly on Tuesday, January 14. Several key issues were at the forefront of his speech, notably pension reform and immigration.

Pension Reform: A Revamp without Taboo

The Prime Minister announced that the pension reform would be “revamped” without any “totem or taboo.” After several days of discussions between the government and the Socialist Party, Bayrou clarified that the issue of the legal retirement age, which is set to be raised to 64, is not a non-negotiable priority. According to him, the reform must be reexamined quickly to adapt to the country’s economic realities. Bayrou also denounced the weight of the national debt, describing it as a “Damocles sword,” and reminded that all ruling parties bear responsibility for the current financial situation.

Immigration: A Matter of Proportion

Addressing immigration, François Bayrou expressed the belief that “immigration is a matter of proportion.” He illustrated his point by stating that the settlement of a foreign family in a rural village could be seen as a positive act of generosity, but the arrival of many families could generate a sense of threat within the community. He also lamented that 93% of deportation orders (OQTF) are not enforced and announced measures to strengthen coordination among state services, including reactivating the interministerial immigration control committee.

A Development Plan for Overseas Territories

François Bayrou also discussed the situation in overseas territories, particularly Martinique, New Caledonia, and Mayotte, which are facing various crises. He promised a specific “development plan” for each department, emphasizing the importance of addressing the particular needs of these regions. As part of this, the Prime Minister invited political forces from New Caledonia to open negotiations in Paris about their status in January.

Reforming Education: A Failure to Overcome

Lastly, the Prime Minister pointed out that one of France’s greatest failures lies in the education system, particularly the academic level of students. He expressed regret that some first-year university students are unable to write a simple, comprehensible text. This problem, he noted, deeply affects the country’s educational system. While he was criticized by the left for the failure of the Parcoursup platform, Bayrou acknowledged that issues related to the orientation of high school graduates need to be addressed.

Overall, this General Policy Statement demonstrates a commitment to profound reforms and adaptations to current challenges, whether in pensions, immigration, the development of overseas territories, or education.