2024-10-31 13:00:00
Saccording to an exclusive Cluster17 survey for The Pointcarried out from October 20 to 22, 2024 among 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 pension system. French retirement. Small reminder: this text carried by Élisabeth Borne, then Prime Minister, resulted in the postponement of the starting age from 62 to 64 years. This nevertheless places France in a generous position compared to its European partners. Either.
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 want it to be maintained. “The proportion remains more or less the same as when it was adopted,” underlines Cluster17. Notable fact: even within the electorate of President Emmanuel Macron, 35% of respondents support its repeal. “The right-wing space is divided with 61% of Marine Le Pen’s voters who want this buried reform compared to 22% of Valérie Pécresse’s voters. »
Executives and workers are not on the same line
This persistent rejection illustrates the difficulty in gaining acceptance of the necessary adjustments in the face of demographic aging. Only 26% of French people support leaving at 64 or over, while 66% prefer a return at 62, or even 60. 35% of respondents want to return to 62; 31%, at 60!
Executives and higher intellectual professions are more receptive to budgetary issues – 31% of respondents in this category indicate that 64 or over is the right retirement age. Conversely, among the ranks of workers, the reluctance is particularly strong – 54% want a return to 60 years old, or even younger. Let us remember that pensions are the one that weighs the most in our public accounts, along with health spending.
The centrist exception
To Discover
Answer
According to the Cluster17 survey, the repeal bill tabled by the National Rally receives significant support, including on the left. 57% of respondents approve of the idea that the New Popular Front votes for this text with the RN, revealing a certain electoral pragmatism while calling into question the coherence of political positions.
The results of this survey underline the failure of education around the issues of pension reform and highlight a worrying gap between economic needs and social aspirations. The “centrists” and the “liberals”, who respectively represent 7% and 6% of the population, appear to be the only groups to have fully integrated the issues of sustainability of the system, with respectively 64% and 85% of people in favor of a departure at age 64 or over.
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Retirement age in France 2024
**Interview on the French Pension Reform Controversy**
*Date: October 31, 2024*
*Host: [Your Name]*
*Alex Reed: Dr. Marie Dupont, Social Policy Analyst*
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**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Dupont. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding the French pension reform. It’s been over a year since the legal retirement age was raised from 62 to 64, but recent polls indicate that a significant majority of the population still opposes this change. Why do you think this reform continues to face such strong backlash?
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for having me. The opposition to the pension reform is rooted in deep-seated public sentiment regarding retirement and social equity. Many French citizens feel that increasing the retirement age undermines the social contract that has long defined French values—specifically, the right to a dignified retirement. When the reform was passed, it did not consider the diverse working conditions faced by the population, particularly those in physically demanding jobs.
**Host:** That’s a great point. What do the latest statistics reveal about public opinion on this issue?
**Dr. Dupont:** According to a recent Cluster17 survey, a staggering 61% of the French population supports repealing the reform, which is consistent with sentiments from when it was first introduced. Notably, even within President Macron’s own electorate, one-third are in favor of reversing the change. This indicates a broader dissatisfaction that transcends party lines, showing that voters are concerned about future generations and the adequacy of their pensions.
**Host:** It seems there is a divide not just among the general public but also within political factions. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Dupont:** Absolutely. The survey suggests a split within right-wing political spaces, where 61% of Marine Le Pen’s voters want the reform repealed, as opposed to only 22% of Valérie Pécresse’s supporters who feel similarly. This division highlights that pension reform is not strictly a left or right issue; it’s becoming a societal concern that challenges traditional political affiliations.
**Host:** Interesting. It appears that there is a stark contrast in perspectives between different sectors of the workforce. Can you explain that?
**Dr. Dupont:** Yes, there’s a clear divergence between executives and manual workers. Higher-income individuals, like executives and professionals, often view the budgetary aspects of the reform more favorably—31% of them support the age increase to 64 or older. Conversely, lower-income workers and those in more labor-intensive jobs are far more likely to oppose it, with 66% preferring a return to a retirement age of 62 or even 60. This disparity illustrates the complexities surrounding economic motivations versus quality of life considerations.
**Host:** With public opinion still firmly against the reform, what do you think will happen next in the discussion around pension reform in France?
**Dr. Dupont:** It’s difficult to predict, but given the widespread dissatisfaction, there will likely be increased pressure on the government to revisit the pension policy. Politicians may need to consider compromises or adjustments that address public concerns, potentially involving provisions for those in physically demanding jobs. Ultimately, for any reform to be successful, there has to be a broader consensus and understanding of the need for equity across all sectors of the population.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your insights on this pressing issue. It seems the debate around the pension reform is far from over, and it will be interesting to see how the government navigates this complex landscape in the months to come.
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential we keep this dialogue going as we look to the future of social policies in France.
—
*End of interview*
