Pension reform in France: the joint committee in search of a compromise

The statue representing the Law in front of the National Assembly in Paris was symbolically adorned with a poster asking for retirement at 60 by demonstrators, February 7, 2023. © Christophe Ena / AP

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The pension reform project in France, rejected by the unions, is in its final stretch in Parliament.

Fourteen deputies and senators must meet, this Wednesday, March 15, during a joint joint committee, to agree on a final text, before new votes scheduled for Thursday, March 23.

If the heart of the text, the decline in the starting age from 62 to 64, will not move, the deputies and senators gathered will have to agree on a compromise text.

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After three days of respite, parliamentary debates will resume on Wednesday March 15 with the convening of a joint joint committee (CMP) in parallel with an eighth day of demonstrations against the reform.

Seven deputies and seven senators will seek to agree on a compromise text.

Among the key points of the debate are:

  • The early retirement scheme for people who started working early.

    The Senate has extended long careers to people entering working life before the age of 21.

  • A 5% pension increase for mothers with a full career.

    A measure that will cost 300 million euros.

  • The permanent senior contract, without any charge, for an employee over 60 years old.

The most divisive subject is that of aid to promote the employment of seniors, a measure deemed too costly by the government, which estimates it at nearly 800 million euros.

New votes Thursday, March 23

These measures will therefore be studied by the deputies and senators sitting in a joint committee.

If an agreement is reached, the Senate, then the National Assembly will vote, Thursday, March 23, on this version.

The Senate vote shouldn't be a problem.

But an absolute majority in the Assembly is far from certain: this is where Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne could draw 49.3.

► To read also

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Pensions in France: the unions and the government are preparing for a decisive week

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