The revelation of the amount of Michel Barnier's retirement pension caused a shock wave in French public opinion. The former Prime Minister and European Commissioner would benefit from a monthly pension 15 times higher than the national averageprovoking strong reactions and relaunching the debate on the privileges of senior civil servants.
A calculation that makes you dizzy
Marianne magazine looked into the case of Michel Barnier, a leading political figure who held numerous mandates during his career. After half a century spent in the mysteries of power, the former minister should receive an astronomical retirement pension. Here are the details of this dizzying calculation:
- 17 years as a parliamentarian
- 7 years as minister
- 26 years at the General Council of Savoie
- Passage to the Constitutional Council
In total, these different functions would allow it to reach a monthly pension of 28,270 euros gross. An amount that leaves you speechless, especially when compared to the average French retirement pension.
An unexpected decision in the face of controversy
Aware of the excitement caused by these revelations, Michel Barnier took a surprising initiative. The former European commissioner chose to voluntarily suspend part of your pension as long as he continues to exercise activities in the Senate and the National Assembly.
This decision specifically concerns his pension as European Commissioner. As for his pensions linked to his parliamentary mandates, they are automatically frozen during the exercise of his current functions. Nevertheless, Michel Barnier will continue to receive substantial remuneration:
| Function | Gross monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Head of government | 16 000 € |
This sum will be paid to him until the appointment of a new Prime Minister.
Anger is brewing on social networks
The announcement of the amount of Michel Barnier's retirement triggered a wave of indignation on the internet. Many Internet users have expressed their incomprehension at such a gap with the financial situation of the majority of French people.
Some scathing comments compare the former minister to Uncle Scrooge, the cartoon character swimming in an ocean of gold coins. Others point out the inconsistency between these privileges and the recent pension reforms imposed on citizens:
- “A Prime Minister in the service of the employers who wants to make me die at work even though he has never worked outside of a ministry! »
- “Two months as Prime Minister and a golden retirement offered by a State which no longer has a penny. »
These reactions illustrate the growing gap between political elites and the population. Many voices are being raised to demand a cap on the pensions of senior civil servants, considered disproportionate to the economic situation of the country.
Towards a questioning of the system?
The Barnier affair rekindles the debate on the advantages granted to former political leaders. It highlights the glaring disparities between the retirement pensions of ordinary French people and those of senior civil servants.
This scandal could well be the catalyst for broader reflection on the reform of the retirement system for elected officials. Citizens are demanding greater fairness and transparency in the allocation of pensions, particularly in a context where public finances are under pressure.
Michel Barnier's initiative to suspend part of his pension is seen as a symbolic gesture, but insufficient to appease popular anger. The debate on the privileges of elected officials is far from over and promises to liven up the French political scene in the months to come.
