Pension reform fifth season, episode 3 – The pedagogic effort of Jean Marc Ayrault’s communication during the news broadcast of France 2

During the interview of this evening, on France 2, Jean Marc Ayrault prevented himself from explaining the Government choices on the pension reform, but he relied on findings of the consultation meetings with the social partners scheduled for next week. The Prime Minister has nevertheless drawn, implicitly, a general outline of the future pension reform. As a result, he placed himself in the communication strategy of progressive pedagogy started a few months ago by the Government – see “Our view on” of May 21, June 17 and August 23. 

First, he reminded that the reform was unavoidable and presented its goals: “to ensure / finance future pensions, to pay pensions, prepare the future of the new generations.” 

Then, he said that everyone would participate in the effort: active and retired people, as it had already been announced in June, but also a contribution of companies, which is new information. He pointed out that our growing population would ensure the future after 2020/2025 with a slight extension of the contribution period. Therefore it is for now, filling a temporary deficit. Even if he refused to confirm it specifically, we understand, thanks to Marie Drucker, the increase of the CSG (generalized social contribution -tax-) would provide the deficit, except that the social partners prefer higher contributions… 

The most delicate subjects tackled in this way (contribution period and funding), the Prime Minister endeavored to develop what should be the hallmark of the “Ayrault reform” compared to those from the right wing: the social justice. The future legislation will probably deal with the hardness of the work and compensate the inequalities faced by women. It is probably at this level that companies could contribute to it. To conclude, he clarified that “postponing the age of retirement” was “out of the question” and described it as a “social choice”! Nothing less. 

Next episode, the content of the bill, after the consultation meetings with the social partners, in “a few days”!