It does not take a great cleric to see how the executive has missed its pension reform. And one would have to be blind to be satisfied with the fact that it has passed. Yes, the motion of censure was dismissed with 9 small votes, and the text confirming retirement at 64 was therefore adopted. But at what cost ! Social partners who feel cheated, a drained government, an isolated executive, a rolled parliament, an exasperated people. Almost all of our neighbours, faced with the same demographic reality, have managed to raise their retirement age – sometimes up to 67 – without setting fires to the streets.
To each his own method, but the one used by the power has undoubtedly sinned. First, by its absence, or rather its overflow, of justifications. By dint of changing discourse – and methodology – the executive not only lost the French on the way, but above all part of its credibility. Then, by the choice of the calendar. There is never an ideal time to ask the French to make an effort, and many leaders prefer procrastination to action. We recognize the Head of State for his determination. But the post-Covid/war in Ukraine/inflationary surge sequence was far from the most optimal for (re)engaging “the mother of reforms”, even if the raising of the retirement age retirement featured in Emmanuel Macron’s campaign program.
Still, it was necessary to have the right sensors and the right allies to lead the battle. But the two have particularly failed the executive, cut off from social reality (and their representatives) and deceived by LR’s real false promises. All against a backdrop of posturing from the extreme left in search of chaos. Finally, the legal-political-social soap opera of pensions has lasted too long, exhausting the French and their elected officials, not to mention the ministers. The next day is barely beginning: there are four years left for a president deprived of a majority and popularity to govern without giving up on reform.