Retirees question David Amiel's reforms

Retirees in France are expressing concerns over the policies proposed by David Amiel, the minister of Public Action and Public Accounts, particularly regarding pension and tax reforms. His proposals have become a topic of discussion in social settings like Ehpad, which are residential facilities for the elderly, and in bridge clubs.

Government faces setbacks in National Assembly

The government encountered resistance in the National Assembly, where deputies rejected proposals to increase taxes on certain retirees and also rejected the capping of a tax allowance for retirees. These setbacks have placed Amiel at the center of public and political discourse.

Amiel's background and career path

Born in Paris in 1992, Amiel has followed a career closely aligned with President Emmanuel Macron. He took office in February 2025, succeeding Amélie de Montchalin, who later became president of the Court of Audits. His education included high school at Louis-le-Grand and studies at prestigious institutions such as École normale supérieure and Princeton University.

Early political involvement and book collaboration

Amiel joined Macron's team in 2015 during the formation of the political movement En marche and remained close to the president. In 2019, he co-authored a book with Ismaël Emelien titled Le Progrès ne tombe pas du ciel, which was endorsed by Macron but did not achieve significant success in bookstores or among critics.

Political career and ministerial role

A month after Macron's re-election, Amiel became a deputy of Paris at the age of 29. In 2025, he was appointed minister delegate in charge of Public Service and State Reform at the age of 32. He has advocated for liberal policies, including the abolition of the property tax, and has initiated reforms to consolidate public administration structures.

Amiel's views on public spending and retirees

Amiel has criticized the direction of public spending, arguing that over fifty years, increases have primarily benefited retirees and healthcare rather than youth. He described this trend as a "political Ponzi pyramid" and proposed reducing the tax allowance for retirees, defending his stance as necessary to support the younger generation.