PARIS — In a bid to stabilize the French government and strike a crucial budget deal, newly appointed Finance Minister Eric Lombard has signaled openness to reconsider aspects of President Emmanuel Macron's controversial pension reforms.

This potential concession may pave the way for collaboration with left-wing parties, crucial for the government’s immediate survival.

During a series of late-night meetings, Lombard, alongside Budget Minister Amélie de Montchalin, engaged with left-wing representatives, indicating a willingness to revisit the law that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64 years.

This reform, implemented nearly two years ago, has faced widespread opposition, yet Macron has consistently defended it as essential for maintaining the solvency of France’s pension system.

The international community views France's pension reform efforts as a significant indicator of the country's commitment to addressing its fiscal challenges.

The discussions saw participation from the strongest left-wing parties, the Greens and Socialists, both of whom previously stated that pension reform concessions were necessary for any successful negotiation with the government.

Post-meeting, both Socialist leader Olivier Faure and Greens leader Marine Tondelier expressed optimism regarding Lombard’s openness to dialogue.

Faure remarked on the government’s newfound willingness to engage on the contentious pension issue, while Tondelier highlighted Lombard’s departure from the entrenched stances of previous administrations.

However, the extent of Lombard's influence within a government dominated by right-leaning figures remains in question.

Socialist insiders, granted anonymity, emphasized that any substantial promises would still require Prime Minister François Bayrou's endorsement.

Eric Lombard, who transitioned into politics from a banking career and assumed his ministerial role in December, might offer a fresh perspective capable of bridging divides between the government and center-left opposition.

Lombard’s approach contrasts with that of his predecessor, Michel Barnier, who unsuccessfully sought alignment with the far-right National Rally.

Barnier’s concessions failed to secure support, ultimately leading to his government's downfall via a no-confidence vote orchestrated by left-wing legislators.

The current government’s reach towards the center left marks a strategic pivot, aiming to avert the pitfalls that beset Barnier's administration.

According to Industry Minister Marc Ferracci, Lombard’s more inclusive negotiation style has been instrumental in advancing discussions.

A breakthrough agreement could unsettle the New Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing parties holding significant influence within the National Assembly.

The hard-left France Unbowed faction, led by the vocal Jean-Luc Mélenchon, vehemently opposes any form of dialogue with Macron’s government and has long advocated for the President’s resignation over the pension changes.

Mélenchon’s rhetoric has already begun fraying coalition unity by castigating the Greens and Socialists for their willingness to engage, harking back to historical rifts during François Hollande’s tenure.

The ongoing discussions underscore the intricacies of French politics as factions within the left balance their identities and strategic goals against the backdrop of looming fiscal reforms.

As Lombard navigates these challenges, the interplay between his efforts and the broader political landscape remains watchfully observed.

Giorgio Leali and Elisa Bertholomey contributed to this report.