Yaël Braun-Pivet Calls for a “Grand Pact with the French” After COR Report on Pension Reform

Paris – 09.06.2026: The Conseil d’orientation des retraites (COR) has recommended in its latest report that the average retirement age in France be raised to 67.6 years by 2070. This recommendation is based on forecasts of a structural deficit in the pension system that could reach 2.4 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) by then—a rise from 1.4 percent last year. The causes are mainly demographic changes: the birth rate is declining, and the population is aging.

Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly, responded to the report by calling for a “grand pact with the French.” She demands a broad societal dialogue to shape the planned reforms together with the population. In her view, such a dialogue is essential to create acceptance for the profound changes in the pension system.

The proposal foresees gradually increasing the retirement age from the current approximately 62 years to 64.4 years by 2030, 65.8 years by 2045, and finally 67.6 years in 2070. These steps are intended to help ensure the system’s long-term financial stability.

The plan is fueling intense debate: trade unions and various political actors express concerns about the impact on the quality of life for older workers as well as on the labor market overall. They call for alternative measures to make the pension system sustainable without increasing burdens on employees.

Braun-Pivet stresses that the reform must be inclusive and also consider social aspects. The pension reform is part of a comprehensive social and economic strategy that places solidarity and justice at its core. An isolated view would not do justice to the complex societal challenges.

This debate takes place against the backdrop of a broader discussion about the future of the French welfare state amid an aging society. Politicians and experts are seeking innovative ways to preserve social achievements while ensuring financial sustainability.

The coming weeks will show how the government and social groups react to the COR’s proposals and which specific reform steps will ultimately be implemented. Braun-Pivet’s call for a “grand pact” could be an important step toward gaining broad societal support for the necessary adjustments and securing social peace.

Overall, the current situation underscores how complex and challenging the pension issue in France is. Only through a balanced, inclusive approach that considers both economic and social aspects can long-term solutions be developed.