French Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou Highlights Possible New Retirement System Reforms Ahead of 2027 Election

In an October 18, 2025 interview with Ouest-France, French Minister of Labor and Solidarity Jean-Pierre Farandou expressed that alternative retirement systems remain viable following the suspension of the 2023 pension reform. Farandou referenced retirement system options including a points-based scheme previously abandoned in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a capitalized retirement system, urging thorough societal debate on these significant choices.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, during his general policy address, proposed pausing retirement reforms until after the 2027 presidential election. Lecornu suggested launching a new conference with social partners to explore the overall management of France's retirement system. Should the conference participants be able to present their conclusions by spring 2026, the government intends to incorporate the agreement into law for parliamentary decision. If not, Farandou indicated it would then be up to presidential candidates to propose their retirement plans.

Farandou also declined to comment on potential unemployment insurance reforms, mentioning that the matter is still under evaluation.

This development marks continued political and social negotiation following the 2023 reform suspension, underscoring the complexity of finding consensus on how to sustainably manage France's retirement system ahead of forthcoming elections. The upcoming conference represents a critical forum to shape the future retirement landscape, balancing competing perspectives on public pension designs and individual choice mechanisms.

As discussions progress, the outcome of this process will significantly influence France's social welfare policies and political debates moving forward.