of French people questioned rather mixed on the freezing of retirement pensions and social benefits

In his draft Social Security budget, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu plans a reduction in spending, in particular via a freeze on retirement pensions and social benefits. A perspective moderately welcomed by the French people interviewed.

The draft Social Security budget presented Tuesday, October 14 by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu plans to substantially reduce its deficit in 2026 by reducing spending. This would involve a freeze on retirement pensions and social benefits usually indexed to inflation.

Between her needs as a mother and her knowledge of the state of the country’s finances, Beyza is torn when asked about the upcoming freeze of family allowances. “We, as mothers, wouldn’t be too comfortable because the prices are increasing, and that helps me a lot to buy her everything she needs, she says. Afterwards, freezing can be a good way to save money, but they should do that with other aid…”

Touching social benefits is a bad idea, comments Maurice, who is 96 years old and should see his retirement frozen. It’s a blank year, no inflation indexation for this former EDF agent. “Our government does not set an example for us, it is there to enrich the rich and impoverish the poor, workers and retirees,” he denounces.

Even with last year’s indexation, Henriette says she has difficulty making ends meet. This former garment worker in Lyon receives 1,200 euros in retirement per month. “It’s 500 euros of accommodation, she specifies. Rentals are increasing, everything is increasing, supplementary insurance is increasing by 4%.”

Conversely, Brigitte is willing to make an effort: “Maybe not freeze, but make an effort. But for now, we must first pass the budget, so that the government can hold on for a while.” Stability above all for this retiree from Lyon, knowing that the draft budget can still evolve with parliamentary discussions.