French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne insists that a delay to the minimum retirement age and an increase of the contribution period for the full pension to 43 are already non-negotiable, despite discontent and social opposition.
“No, it is no longer negotiable,” Born emphatically replied in an interview published this Sunday by the France Info station, because “it is necessary to ensure the balance of the system.”
At the start of a new day of protest called by the unions for this Tuesday – the second after the strike and mass demonstrations on January 19 -, the prime minister was adamant about the main axis of the initiative, which will trigger an inquiry by the National Assembly since February 6
Born also emphasized that because of the discontent and criticism arising from the reform, the government has heard “many inaccuracies” and false information.
In particular, he dismissed the fact that the changes are going to particularly harm French women (the most affected by career interruptions) and claimed that “two thirds” of retirees who are due for reevaluation due to the increase in the minimum pension are going to be benefited from, right women.
He also reminded that the age limit of 67 years to enjoy full pension – regardless of years of contribution – is a parameter that the government does not consider changing.
The reform promoted by Emmanuel Macron’s government envisages an increase in the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64 years by 2030 and an increase from 42 to 43 years of contribution to 2027 to be able to enjoy the full pension. (So far planned for 2035).
It also proposes to abolish the special retirement system, which is more advantageous than the normal system and is used on several occasions by public sector companies, such as the state electricity company EDF.
French public opinion is mostly against reform and that opinion has moderated in recent times. The Elabe Demospic Institute published a new poll this week, according to which 72% of people oppose it, six points more than a week ago.
