All week, La Loupe reviews all the successful reforms among our neighbors, from which France could draw inspiration. In this second episode, Béatrice Mathieu, a leading reporter specializing in economic issues, deciphers the Swedish retirement system.
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The team: Charlotte Baris (presentation and writing), Solène Alifat (editing) Jules Krot (directing)
Credits: France Info, Huffpost, INA
Music and dressing: Emmanuel Herschon/Studio Torrent
Logo: Jérémy Cambour
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Charlotte Baris: We know that if there is one flammable subject in France, on which making reforms is never without consequences, it is pensions. After the establishment of this system, at the end of the Second World War, until the 1980s, the achievements multiplied: establishment of a minimum income, lowering of the starting age to 60 years for many categories , generalization of supplementary retirement.
But in 1991, the government of Michel Rocard published its “White Paper”, to ensure the future of the retirement system. From there, controversial reforms will multiply. In 1993, the contribution period lengthened. In 1995, Alain Juppé tried to attack special regimes, but there was an outcry: the country was paralyzed by impressive strikes. The reform will therefore not take place. It was then François Fillon’s turn in 2003 to attack the retirement system and in particular certain civil servants’ schemes. The public sector mobilized but the reform ended up passing.
Under the presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy, the legal retirement age was raised to 62 years. There are many opponents of the Woerth bill, but they will not prevent this change. Another major movement in 2019. Emmanuel Macron wants to put in place a universal regime. The opposition is significant, and Covid will put an end to the idea of reform… Until 2023. In short, reforming pensions in France is a sea serpent for all leaders. However, some of our neighbors are succeeding: such as Sweden, for example.
To go further
Pension reform: the perilous path ahead of Michel Barnier
Pensions: with the latest reform, the average retirement age should be shifted by six months
Repealing the pension reform with the RN: on the left, chronicle of a case of conscience