Intergenerational inequality debate grows in France

A growing debate in France is examining intergenerational inequality, with concerns that older generations, especially retirees, may be gaining more political and economic power than younger people. This discussion is happening in various spaces, from the National Assembly to social media and youth movements, and it focuses on whether this imbalance threatens democratic principles.

Economic security differs sharply by age

Demographic data highlights a significant gap in economic security between older and younger generations. Over 70% of those aged 65 and older own their homes, compared to just 17% of those under 30. In 2024, individuals over 65 made up only 12% of the poor, despite being 21% of the population, while 45% of the poor were under 30.

Not all retirees are economically privileged

Sociologists and political analysts caution against oversimplifying the issue of intergenerational inequality. Mélissa-Asli Petit, author of S'autoriser à vieillir, points out that a third of retirees earn less than 1,000 euros per month. Jean-Philippe Viriot Durandal, a sociologist at the University of Lorraine, stresses that generalizing the idea of older people being "favored" ignores the different life cycles of various generations.

Older voters are gaining political influence

Political scientists note that older voters are increasingly influential in elections. Maxime Sbaihi, an economist, states that older generations' participation in elections is "systematically stronger" than that of younger people. This influence is reflected in policy priorities, with security being a top concern for 30% of those aged 65–75, compared to 18% of those aged 18–24.

Proposals to address the imbalance

Various proposals aim to address the growing intergenerational divide. These include lowering the voting age to 16, which is supported by UNICEF and several international bodies, and creating assemblies dedicated to future generations. Other ideas involve weighting votes based on age or life expectancy and promoting intergenerational interactions through shared spaces and activities.

Concerns about economic stagnation

Tim Vlandas, a political scientist at the University of Oxford, warns of a "gerontonomy," a state of economic stagnation driven by the priorities of older voters. He references the United Kingdom's experience in the 2010s, where austerity measures favored retirees and the elderly, leading to economic stagnation and rising youth poverty.

Efforts to promote intergenerational solidarity

Local and international figures are advocating for stronger intergenerational solidarity. Candice le Tourneur, a deputy mayor in Marseille, calls for a "solidarity intergenerational" approach to ease the financial burden on younger generations. Samuel Moyn, author of Gerontocracy in America, suggests a "New Deal" for intergenerational equity, involving universal public services funded by heavy taxation on the wealthy and ending tax exemptions for retirees.

Balancing the needs of all generations

Proposals aim to ensure that both the elderly and the young can thrive without one group disproportionately benefiting at the expense of the other. The challenge is to implement these solutions in a way that is fair, effective, and sustainable, ensuring long-term balance between generations.