First setback for the government? If the head of state is now very silent about the pension reform, this does not mean that the executive is no longer working on it. This is evidenced by the decree promulgating the increase in the pension contribution rate for civil servants working abroad, published on April 27, 2022, i.e. three days after the re-election of Emmanuel Macron. In fact, explains Capital on its site, the workers concerned are those benefiting from a local contract abroad and still deciding to remain in the French system.

They had to face a 150% increase in contribution rates, according to the estimates of the unions opposed to the project, which still represents 6,000 euros a year on average. Had to because, according to the monthly reference in economics, the government finally decided to back down in the face of the many criticisms leveled against such a development. Some of which may have come from within the ministries concerned.

The other problem, indeed continue our colleagues, has little to do with the amounts previously mentioned. It relates to the way in which the government intended to carry out such a reform. The executive did not bother with any consultation and did not even bother to inform the players in the sector. He also did not keep the competent ministries informed on the issue – that of Europe and Foreign Affairs as well as that of National Education, student staff being particularly concerned. No impact study aimed at determining the consequences of such a measure has been carried out.

Faced with the reaction of the actors in the field, Elisabeth Borne therefore decided to backpedal. Consultations must therefore be initiated before any new modification.