Jacques Serais, edited by Gauthier Delomez 3:49 p.m., February 01, 2023

The day after a new day of mobilization against the pension reform which brought together 1.272 million demonstrators according to the authorities, the ball is in the government's court.

But this one does not intend to negotiate on the legal age of departure, major axis of the project.

However, concessions could be discussed.

No, the government does not want to let go of the pension reform.

Despite the strong mobilization of January 31, which brought together 1.272 million demonstrators according to the Ministry of the Interior - 2.8 million according to the CGT, the executive wants to stay the course on Emmanuel Macron's flagship project.

After a council of ministers on Wednesday morning, the line of firmness will remain, in particular on the shift in the legal age of departure to 64, the most important point of the reform.

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As Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne had indicated, this last measure is still non-negotiable.

Possible (and rare) concessions on the project

This is an "indispensable" reform, we insist on Wednesday morning at the Élysée Palace.

"When we look at the national level, the mobilization is rather balanced compared to ten days ago", reassures an adviser to the president.

Another insists: "The fact is that the Head of State's commitment was clear during the presidential campaign".

To the question "will there be any marginal developments?", at the castle, we prefer to refer to Parliament, recalling that there is the imperative of financial balance.

The rare concessions could notably relate to a review clause in 2027, an amendment carried by the MoDem, the allied party of the majority.

The government could also make a move on maternity terms for public employees.

Today, a child gives the right to four quarters in the public sector, when at the same time a private employee gets eight.

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However, this should not calm the discontent since the unions are demanding the outright withdrawal of the text.

Finally, the showdown is far from over.