CFDT Leader Marylise Léon Revives Call for Point-Based Retirement System Debate in France

Marylise Léon, Secretary General of the CFDT union, has reignited the discussion on implementing a point-based retirement system in France, criticizing the current legal retirement age framework as "deeply unjust." In an interview on BFM Business, Léon advocated for a system allowing individuals to choose their retirement age and pension benefits, emphasizing greater autonomy and fairness. This approach would especially acknowledge the difficulties faced by women, addressing issues like maternity and job mobility more equitably.

Léon noted that despite the initial proposal for this system in 2019, the debate was halted in 2020. Reluctance among political parties to compromise, particularly with elections approaching, has stalled progress, according to her. She also challenged the government's process in pushing through the current pension reform without sufficient public acceptance.

Financially, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has estimated that suspending the current reform could cost three billion euros by 2027. However, Léon argued the democratic value of reopening the retirement system debate justifies that expense.

These perspectives come amid broader social concerns in France over income inequality and labor market conditions. A related analysis highlighted that half of private sector workers earn between 1,800 and 2,700 euros gross monthly, marking France as having one of Europe's highest concentrations of low wages. Such economic context underscores the significance of revisiting pension reforms to better reflect social justice and fairness.

Léon's call aims to shift the retirement conversation beyond a fixed age toward a more flexible and equitable system that acknowledges diverse life circumstances.