Once the conclave ended without a deal, the Socialists demanded that lawmakers be allowed to propose changes to the reform, including bringing the retirement age back down. But Bayrou refused, instead personally intervening in a last-ditch effort to get conclave participants to reach an agreement.
Without even tacit support from the Socialists, Bayrou’s government is inching dangerously close to the point of collapse.
A vote on the motion is expected within 48 hours. To succeed it would require backing from Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and its allies, in addition to the left.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed, the largest of the four left-wing groups in the French legislature, signaled that his party will support the motion.
The National Rally had previously signaled it would not take down Bayrou’s government over pensions but could support a no-confidence motion soon on other issues such as energy policy. Party president Jordan Bardella said the “real moment of truth” for Bayrou would arrive in the when he presents his budget after the summer break.
“I wouldn’t bet a penny on the longevity of this government if it continues to float tax increases for the French people, particularly those in the working class,” he said.