French lawmakers adopt environmental amendment

Lawmakers in France approved an environmental amendment to the 2027 Social Security budget on Thursday. The amendment aims to allow employees who have contributed for 42 years to retire as early as age 62, without waiting for the legal retirement age.

Amendment creates early retirement leave

The amendment, promoted by Sandrine Rousseau, introduces an "early retirement leave" for workers aged at least 62 with 168 quarters, or 42 years of insurance. These employees could stop working while receiving a salary equivalent to their full pension until they reach the legal retirement age.

Companies get social contribution reductions

In exchange for offering this early retirement option, companies would receive reductions in social contributions. The measure would bypass the gradual increase of the legal retirement age to 64 years set by the Borne reform in 2023, without formally repealing it.

Costs and feasibility questioned

The cost of the measure for social finances has not been announced. The general rapporteur of the Social Security budget, Thibault Bazin (LR), questioned its feasibility, warning that it could "potentially turn against social insured persons" if employers disappear.

Criticism from labor minister

The Minister of Labor, Jean-Pierre Farandou, strongly criticized the proposal, arguing it would place an undue financial burden on companies. He warned that employers might reduce their workforce before employees reach the early retirement threshold, potentially harming senior employment.

Support from Ecologist and Social group

The Ecologist and Social group hailed the amendment as an "immense victory" for millions of workers. They urged the government not to erase the vote during the budget examination. The gradual increase of the legal retirement age to 64 had already been partially suspended in the 2026 Social Security budget.