France Retirement Age Reform Halted After Narrow National Assembly Vote

France has halted its plan to raise the retirement age. Lawmakers voted late Tuesday in Paris to suspend the reform that pushed the retirement age to 64. The move blocks President Emmanuel Macron’s key policy. It also sets the issue aside until after the 2027 election.The vote was close and tense. It passed 247 to 234, according to Reuters. The decision comes after months of political pressure and rising anger over the cost of living. It marks one of the biggest reversals of Macron’s second term.

France Retirement Age Plan Faces New Political Roadblocks

Macron’s reform became law in 2023. It moved the retirement age from 62 to 64. His government argued that France is aging fast. It also said the pension system was under pressure. France already spends about 14 percent of its economy on pensions. This is one of the highest levels in Europe.According to Reuters, public spending now sits at about 57 percent of GDP. The social-security budget shows a deficit of $23 billion. Yet the new bill adds more spending. It includes nearly $1 billion more for hospitals. It also increases a tax on asset revenue and capital gains from 9.2 percent to 10.6 percent.The suspension follows the 2024 snap elections. Macron’s centrist bloc lost ground. Opposition parties on both the left and right campaigned against the retirement age hike. They disagree on many issues. But they agree that the age increase should not move forward.Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the vote was a “victory” because his government survived a censure bid. But the long-term outlook remains unclear. France now faces deeper fiscal risks and stronger political divides.

What the Retirement Age Freeze Means for France’s Future

The suspension of the reform will shape French politics for years. It removes a major point of tension before the 2027 election. But it also leaves France with a costly pension system that continues to grow. Economists say delaying the reform raises the final bill.For workers, the freeze brings short-term relief. Many feared they would need to work longer. But the long-term picture is harder. Younger workers will face future changes if the pension system becomes harder to support.For the government, the vote is a setback. Macron built his presidency around economic change. The reversal signals a shrinking ability to pass major reforms. It also shows how divided the new National Assembly has become.In Europe, the move puts France at odds with neighbors who already raised retirement ages. The result may add pressure on its budget, borrowing costs, and welfare system. Analysts say a tougher debate is waiting after the next election.

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France’s retirement age debate is not over. The main keyword will remain central to political and economic talks as France weighs its next steps.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the current France retirement age?

The current legal retirement age remains 62. The move to 64 is now suspended. It will stay on hold until after the 2027 election.

Q2: Why was the retirement age increase paused?

Lawmakers voted to suspend the reform after public pressure and a divided parliament. Opposition parties united to block the plan.

Q3: How did the vote end?

The vote passed 247 to 234, according to Reuters. The margin was narrow but enough to halt the reform.

Q4: How big is France’s pension spending?

France spends about 14 percent of its economy on pensions. This is one of the highest levels in Europe.

Q5: Will the pension issue return after 2027?

Yes. The law is only paused, not canceled. The next government will decide the future of the reform.