The remainder to live at the end of the month of retirees against that of active workers
In the midst of pension reform, as millions of cumulative protesters march in the streets to delay retirement, France Strategy reveals information of capital importance on retirees. On average, retirees would have far fewer difficult month-ends than working people. The main reason for this finding comes from the fact that retirees have often completed the repayment of their mortgage. They are therefore owners during their retirement.
The difference is still several hundred euros. After the various bills for energy consumption, food or usual expenses, the “rest to be spent” for retirees would be, according to the study, 923 euros, compared to 624 euros for a working couple with two children and a level similar life. This study reacts to the president of the National Association of Retired Persons, the ANR, who is offended that a retirement of 1,500 euros net can be considered easy. One in three retirees also receives a pension below 1,000 euros gross.
Intergenerational solidarity and the resignation of working people
The argument, emanating from the France Strategy study, which moreover depends on the Prime Minister, comes to shake a little the governmental narrative and intergenerational solidarity. There is reason to wonder if 2 additional years of work are necessary. Especially to pay retirees who have less financial difficulty than those who contribute to their pensions. It will take more, however, to convince French workers to give up this intergenerational solidarity. The use of a funded pension system is therefore systematically excluded from the debate.
Yet these « baby-boomers » close to retirement, or who are already there, benefit in a way from both systems. The context of strong growth, a young demographic, their access to the labor market and easy access to private property has enabled many of them to build up a well-deserved personal nest egg. or buy real estate they own in 2023.
Faced with the solutions mentioned by certain economists, in favor of a reduction in pensions for retirees, national solidarity stands up. It is defended by the assets who are waiting for the moment (43 annuities obviously) to benefit from it in turn. But it is above all fiercely defended by elected officials. They might benefit from taking care of the majority and mobilized electorate represented by this generation in France.