The Intelligence from The Economist Age-old problem: reforming France
Sep 5, 2019
James Astle, an insightful commentator on American affairs, discusses the significant pension reform challenge facing President Emmanuel Macron in France. They dive into the historical protests surrounding such reforms and the government's precarious balancing act. Astle also contrasts two influential figures in environmentalism, David Koch's controversial legacy against Steve Sawyer's advocacy for Greenpeace. They highlight how these legacies shape modern political discourse and public perception on key issues, including climate change.
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France's Pension System
- France has one of the lowest retirement ages in the OECD, with people retiring legally at 62, often even earlier.
- This coupled with high longevity creates a costly system of generous public pensions.
Past Pension Reform Attempts
- Previous attempts to reform France's pension system have led to significant political upheaval, including unseating leaders.
- Macron's approach involves discussions with union bosses and exploring various options, unlike previous top-down dictates.
Gilets Jaunes and Pension Reform
- The gilets jaunes protests highlight the French public's resistance to changes in the pension system.
- Macron's new approach aims to mitigate potential unrest by engaging in dialogue and presenting various options.
