It is time for clarifications for the pension reform. After a long interview with Elisabeth Borne last week, Emmanuel Macron received the heavyweights of the Government and the majority on Wednesday night at the Élysée. The president gave the road map to follow.
First principle on which the president does not want to back down: the retirement age, currently set at 62, must be increased to 65, in accordance with his campaign promise.
heading to 65
The participants at the table were, however, divided and some defended the 64 years, such as François Patriat, the head of the Macronist senators or Richard Ferrand, the former president of the National Assembly. These two relatives close to the state advocated resuming the vote in the Senate on the Social Security budget last November.
The upper house ruled in favor of retirement at age 64 last November. The senators also voted in favor of 43 years of contributions to obtain a full pension for the generation of 1967, and no more than 1973 as is currently the case.
However, Emmanuel Macron himself opened the door to 64 years between two rounds of the presidential elections. After a tour of Denain and Carvin (Nord), he had told the concerned French that he was ready to “move” at the starting age if he felt “too much anxiety” from the French.
“65 years is not a dogma,” he also explained.
The 64 years, possible exit
Concerned, however, with keeping the door open in the event of a strong mobilization in the streets, the option chosen by the senators could return to the National Assembly if necessary during discussions at the end of January.
While the Prime Minister should announce the retirement age of 65 on December 15, political and union reactions should set the tone for the coming weeks.
Towards a 49.3 and motions of no confidence
Second principle recorded during dinner at the Élysée: the pension reform must go through a bill amending the financing of Social Security (PLFSSR) and not through an ad hoc bill. If the legislative vehicle to pass this text seems very technical, it is very important.
In the case of a budget text, the executive can use 49.3, this constitutional weapon that allows a text to be adopted without a vote. Although the Agrupación Nacional and the Nupes are fiercely opposed to this reform, it seems very likely that this cartridge will be used.
The filing of a motion of censure or even several seems very likely. What gives some cold sweats to the deputies.
“If there is a vote of no confidence, I will immediately dissolve” the National Assembly, he had privately threatened the president last September.
Source: BFM TV
