Key facts
- Jordan Bardella's allies are considering a pension reform proposal.
- The plan would eliminate the option to retire at 67 with a full pension if contribution requirements are not met.
- The focus would shift to requiring 42 years of contributions for a full pension.
- Bardella has stated that the retirement age is less important than the number of years contributed.
- Marine Le Pen supports a fair reform but wants to keep the legal retirement age at 62.
Allies of Jordan Bardella, a prominent figure within France's National Rally party and a potential successor to Marine Le Pen as presidential candidate, are reportedly exploring a significant shift in the party's pension policy. This move signals a potential departure from Le Pen's firm commitment to maintaining the legal retirement age at 62.
The proposed plan, according to two National Rally officials, involves eliminating the current rule that allows individuals to retire with a full pension at age 67, even if they have not met the required contribution period. Instead, the focus would shift to a system requiring 42 years of contributions for a full pension, or accepting a reduced pension if the contribution period is shorter.
Bardella himself has publicly voiced skepticism about the significance of the retirement age, stating on French television that "the retirement age means nothing." He advocates for a system that prioritizes the number of years an individual has contributed to the pension fund, arguing this would simplify and make the system fairer.
This internal debate highlights a growing tension within the National Rally between the traditional base, concerned about preserving established benefits, and Bardella's allies, who aim to enhance the party's economic credibility and appeal to moderate voters wary of France's financial stability. The urgency of these discussions is amplified by an upcoming July 7 court ruling that could impact Le Pen's eligibility to run for president, potentially paving the way for Bardella to become the party's candidate.
While Le Pen has reiterated her commitment to a legal retirement age of 62, she has also acknowledged "injustices" in the current system, suggesting a potential openness to reform. Data suggests that a change emphasizing contribution length could disproportionately affect low-skilled workers with interrupted careers and, to a lesser extent, executives and self-employed individuals who started their careers later.