Saccording to an exclusive survey by Cluster17 for The pointconducted from 20 to 22 October 2024 on a sample of 1,400 people representative of the French adult population, opposition to the 2023 pension reform remains in the majority of public opinion, compromising efforts to modernize the French pension system. Small reminder: this text brought by Élisabeth Borne, then prime minister, resulted in the postponement of the starting age from 62 to 64. This however places France in a generous position compared to its European partners. OR.
More than a year after the adoption of this text, 61% of French people say they are in favor of repealing this reform, compared to 27% who would like to maintain it. “The proportion remains more or less the same as when it was adopted,” underlines Cluster17. Noteworthy fact: even in the electorate of the President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron, 35% of those interviewed are in favor of its repeal. “The space of the right is divided with 61% of Marine Le Pen’s voters wanting this reform buried compared to 22% of Valérie Pécresse’s voters. »
Managers and workers are not on the same page
This persistent refusal illustrates the difficulty of gaining acceptance for necessary adjustments in the face of demographic aging. Only 26% of French people favor leaving at 64 or older, while 66% prefer a return at 62, or even 60. 35% of those interviewed would like to return to 62; 31%, to 60!
Managers and higher intellectual professions are more receptive to budgetary issues: 31% of respondents in this category indicate that 64 or older is the right retirement age. On the contrary, among the ranks of workers, the reluctance is particularly strong: 54% want a return at 60, or even earlier. Let’s remember that pensions are the one that weighs the most in our public accounts, together with healthcare spending.
The centrist exception
To discover
Answer
According to the Cluster17 poll, the repeal bill presented by the National Rally receives significant support, even on the left. 57% of those interviewed approve of the idea that the New Popular Front votes for this text with the RN, revealing a certain electoral pragmatism and calling into question the coherence of the political positions.
The results of this survey highlight the failure of education on pension reform issues and highlight a worrying gap between economic needs and social aspirations. The ”centrists” and the “liberals”, who represent 7% and 6% of the population respectively, seem to be the only groups to have fully integrated the issues of sustainability of the system, with 64% and 85% of the people respectively in favor of leaving at age 64 or older.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on French Pension Reform
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to the program! Today we’re diving into a significant topic affecting millions in France—the pension reform that was enacted last year. Joining us is Dr. Lucie Moreau, a sociologist specializing in public policy and labor economics. Thank you for being here, Dr. Moreau!
Dr. Lucie Moreau (LM): Thank you for having me!
TNE: Recent data from a survey conducted by Cluster17 indicates that a striking 61% of the French population would like to see the 2023 pension reform repealed. What do you make of these findings?
LM: It’s quite revealing, isn’t it? The basic discontent is a significant hurdle in modernizing the pension system. This reform, which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, has not only failed to garner support across the board but also illustrates a disconnect between different segments of the population regarding economic realities and demographic changes.
TNE: Indeed. That’s a notable point. The survey showed that even among Emmanuel Macron’s own supporters, 35% prefer to repeal the reform. How do you interpret this division within his electorate?
LM: It underscores a broader skepticism towards the government’s policies. Many people feel the aging population challenges are being mismanaged, and there’s a sense of injustice in the adjustments being proposed. Macron’s supporters, particularly the younger demographics, may be worried about future economic stability compared to the older, established voters who feel traditionally reassured in their retirement plans.
TNE: Fascinating insights. The survey highlights a stark contrast between managers and workers, where 31% of managers support a retirement age of 64 or older, while only 26% of the general population agree. What do you think accounts for this disparity?
LM: This gulf can be attributed to varying perspectives on economic pressures and job nature. Managers often have a broader view of budgetary constraints and may perceive longer working years as a necessity to sustain the system. Conversely, workers, especially in lower-income jobs, often face physical demands that make the prospect of working longer feel particularly burdensome.
TNE: The figures indicate that 66% of respondents prefer to return to 62, or even back to 60. What implications does this have for decision-makers trying to implement reforms?
LM: These sentiments pose a real challenge for policymakers. A strong pushback from the public suggests that any future reforms need to take public opinion heavily into account. There’s an urgent need for dialogue to bridge these gaps and perhaps explore more workable solutions that balance fiscal responsibility with public sentiment.
TNE: That’s an important point. Given the deep-seated opposition, what strategies could the government employ to facilitate a more favorable reception to necessary reforms in the pension system?
LM: Transparency and public engagement are key. The government could hold more forums, allowing citizens to voice their concerns and participate in discussions about potential reforms. Additionally, demonstrating how reforms could positively impact future generations may shift public opinion. Moreover, coupling any changes with supportive measures, such as job retraining programs, could go a long way in alleviating fears surrounding longer working years.
TNE: Wise suggestions. Lastly, with most people opposing this reform, what do you predict will happen in the coming months or years regarding the pension debate in France?
LM: The opposition will likely intensify if the government pushes forward without a more comprehensive consultation process. We may see increased protests or demands for political accountability. If reform continues to be viewed negatively, it could lead to political instability, especially with elections approaching. It’s a crucial time for political leaders to realign their strategies with public sentiment.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for sharing your expertise on this pressing issue. It’s clear that finding a path forward will require a nuanced understanding of the public’s concerns and a commitment to genuine dialogue.
LM: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how this situation evolves.
TNE: That wraps up our discussion. Stay tuned for more insights on pressing issues here at Time.news.