Pension reform in france as a balance between adequacy and stability

Abstract

In this paper the authors analyze the main aspects and problems of reforming the French pension system. Most EU member states have been forced to review their system due to the coronavirus crisis, at least to make temporary adjustments. Given European aging population, declining birth rates and increased life expectancy, the associated increase in the age dependency ratio is creating tensions for underfunded defined benefit pension systems. This implicit pension debt has important macroeconomic implications. In France, the structure of the pension system provides for the existence of solidarity component, occupational pension schemes, as well as personal (which are not popular in this country). Sometimes there are significant differences in pension benefits between public and private sector workers with the same earnings, although this difference is much lower than in many other EU member states. Starting from July 1, 2017, no new pension reforms have been implemented in France, as the project proposed by the government and President Macron has received significant opposition from both trade unions and a large part of the population, as the creation of the so-called “Universal pension scheme” provides significant reduction in the rights of future retirees. In general, the choice of restrictive rules that reflect trends in wages, employment and life expectancy is critical for the proper updated system management. Preservation of the French pension system in the near future provides the increase in retirement age or extension of insurance to receive full pension benefits. The results of scientific research indicate the need to apply the adjusted strategy for further reforms, compared to their original versions. The reform proposed by the government and the president is aimed mostly at achieving long-term financial stability of the pension system. As for the adequacy of pension benefits, for some categories of citizens it can be decreased. Therefore, the reform envisages new configurations between the financial stability of the pension system along with ensuring the adequacy of the pension benefits amount.