Dominique de Villepin proposes constitutionalizing social negotiation

Dominique de Villepin, a potential candidate for the 2027 French presidential election, has expressed his intention to codify the principle of social negotiation into law and the Constitution. He aims to grant unions primacy in negotiations through a social charter.

Reflecting on his 2006 retreat regarding the first employment contract (Contrat première embauche) following mass protests, de Villepin emphasized the necessity of deep consultation. He proposed a multi-step approach for future reforms, such as pension reform, involving expert commissions, social conferences, citizen conventions, and potentially referendums.

Regarding pensions, de Villepin advocates for a points-based system. This model would allow individuals more freedom to choose their retirement age, while social partners would determine the value of points based on life expectancy and specific professional sectors.