On October 14, 2025, during a pivotal address to the French National Assembly, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a temporary suspension of the 2023 pension reform until the next presidential election in 2027. This decision emerged amidst the looming threat of government censure, with two motions scheduled for review on October 16.
The proposed suspension specifically targets two key aspects: the legal retirement age and the duration of contributions.
Who is Affected by the Suspension?
The 2023 reform aimed to gradually raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, starting with those born on or after September 1, 1961, up to the 1968 generation and beyond. It also intended to increase the contribution period from 168 quarters (42 years) to 172 quarters (43 years) for those born from 1965 onwards.
With the suspension, the retirement age of 62 years and 9 months, applicable since September 1, 2025, for those born in 1963, might remain unchanged until January 2028. Similarly, the required insurance period for a full pension would be frozen at 170 quarters (42 years and 6 months) until the same date.
Practically, those born in 1964 may benefit from retirement conditions similar to the 1963 cohort.
However, starting with the 1965 generation, the progression of retirement age and contribution duration would resume unless a new reform is enacted post-election.
This suspension could affect five generations (1964 to 1968), impacting about 3.5 million people, as per the Prime Minister's estimates.
Financial Implications of the Suspension
The suspension is expected to incur additional costs of approximately 400 million euros in 2026 and 1.8 billion euros in 2027. According to Prime Minister Lecornu, these expenses must be "financially offset, including through savings measures."
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Compensatory financial measures are expected to be included in the upcoming Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS) for 2026, submitted to the Council of Ministers on October 14.
Implementation of the Suspension
The suspension requires legislative approval, likely through an amendment to the PLFSS for 2026, which the Government plans to introduce in November.
The Prime Minister has also invited social partners, including employers and unions, to a conference on pensions and work in the spring of 2026. The goal is to address the broader management of the pension system, considering various perspectives like point systems, capitalization, and the abandonment of age references.
Preparing Financially for Retirement
Planning for retirement requires careful financial preparation. Consider exploring diverse options and strategies to ensure a secure and comfortable retirement.
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