“I am ready to contribute more to retire earlier,” explains Célia. The caregiver is, however, not very optimistic, because she expects to “pay more without leaving first” in the coming years. Like her, other citizens are ready for “moderate increases in contribution rates”, according to the “Schwätz mat” consultations. These, the broad outlines of which were revealed on Friday by the government, serve as the basis for discussions on the future of pensions, while the contours of a reform should be presented this year.
Among the 2,000 contributions to “Schwätz mat” also came the idea of “expanding the contribution base beyond traditional employment income”. Social justice has regularly been mentioned in the pensions debate. “In certain tough professions, like construction, you should be able to leave earlier,” believes Irène. “Particular attention is paid to specific provisions for physically demanding professions,” confirms the results of the contributions. According to Irène, the ideal age to stop is 60 years old. “Even though I know we’re in the middle of a dream!”
Sandrine, 52 years old, 30 of which have been spent in the care sector, would even like to stop earlier: “57 years if I can, but not by paying more!” She loves her job, but “is slowly starting to think about retirement”. The contributors, interviewed from October to December, seem reluctant to leave later than currently (legal age 65, but possibility of early retirement from 57). They advocate “increased flexibility”, depending on the types of work and personal situations.
They are also attached to “intergenerational equity”, that is to say the current pay-as-you-go system, in which workers pay for retirees. While being ready for “alternative financing models”, focused on sustainability.
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