French retirees are responding to proposed changes to pensions and tax exemptions, as the government attempts to stabilize the country's public finances. These changes include freezing a portion of basic pensions, which are usually adjusted for inflation, and reducing the 10% tax exemption currently available to retirees. According to a draft proposal seen by Le Monde, retirees with monthly pensions between 1,260 and 2,034 euros would see only a small increase—less than what inflation would dictate—while those with higher pensions would see no increase at all. Retirees interviewed by AFP have expressed a wide range of emotions, from frustration and resignation to a willingness to contribute to the effort. Elise, a 76-year-old former teacher in Asnières-sur-Seine, earns 2,068 euros per month but struggles to make ends meet. She lives in a studio that costs 900 euros per month, leaving her with only about 1,000 euros after expenses. Elise criticized the government's assertion that 2,000 euros is enough to live comfortably, saying, "Let him come: I am 76 years old, I sleep on a convertible." Florence Langevin, 76, emphasized that retirees are not a uniform group. Some have substantial incomes, including 5,000 to 6,000 euros per month, along with apartments and second homes. She expressed frustration with the proposals, calling it "shameful" to treat retirees as a single group. Evelyne Gicquelay, a 73-year-old former civil servant, acknowledged the need to contribute due to the "catastrophic" budget situation but described the proposed measures as "a bit unfair, poorly targeted." She noted that her income has not changed since 2023 and that she already makes sacrifices on health care. Gilbert Myotte, 70, in Burgundy, believes he has "already contributed enough," having started working at 16. He and his wife receive about 4,000 euros in total and view the proposed measures as "theft," arguing that they are changing the terms of the contract. Chantal Thierry, 75, in Arnay-le-Duc, said she is "ready to make an effort" but noted that "average French people" are "always the most taxed." With a monthly income of 1,700 euros, she limits her expenses, saying, "we move less, we are careful at the supermarket." Christine, 73, in La Rochelle, said that retirees with higher pensions, such as herself and her husband, who earn a combined 4,000 euros, can contribute to the effort. She acknowledged that those with smaller pensions and high rent payments face significant challenges and called for "more progressive" measures. The responses highlight the complexity of the situation, as retirees are divided between those who feel they have already paid their share and those who believe the burden is unfairly placed on them.