The debate on pension reform is in full swing in France, with fierce discussions among social partners. In the face of this complexity, artificial intelligence (AI) has been called upon to formulate recommendations likely to improve the current situation. This article explores the surprising proposals of AI, ranging from the reintegration of hardship criteria to measures aimed at enhancing employment for seniors.
Reintegration of Hardship Criteria
As part of the pension reform, artificial intelligence argues that the reintroduction of hardship criteria, abolished in 2017, could be a relevant solution. These criteria, which include factors such as lifting heavy loads, are essential for recognizing the increased fatigue and stress faced by workers in certain professions. Additionally, AI suggests lowering the access thresholds to these provisions to allow a larger number of workers to benefit from these arrangements.
Simplification of Early Retirement Scheme
Another point raised by AI is the need to simplify the long career scheme. Currently, some individuals who started working in their youth find themselves in desperate situations, unable to retire until they have contributed for 44 years. By easing the conditions for access to early retirement for those who began work at 18, better recognition of these workers’ contributions could be provided.
Consideration of Career Interruptions
According to artificial intelligence, career interruptions due to various factors such as maternity, precariousness, or disability must also be taken into greater account. Better recognition of these periods could provide a better framework for workers affected by life events, thereby avoiding negative consequences on their pension.
Encouragement of Progressive Retirement
In a context where retirement is anticipated, AI proposes to encourage progressive retirement. This could be achieved by facilitating conditions for individuals close to the legal retirement age who have not validated all their quarters. Solutions such as the buyback of quarters or the possibility of working part-time would also be beneficial to support this transition.
Increase in Senior Employment Rate
To finance these measures without burdening public finances, artificial intelligence emphasizes the importance of increasing the employment rate of seniors. Currently at 38.9% for those aged 60-64 in France, it is significantly lower than in Nordic countries, where it reaches about 50%. By raising this rate by 5 points, the state could gain several billion euros in contributions.
Improvement of Tax Loopholes and Combating Fraud
Moreover, AI recommends eliminating certain tax loopholes, such as exemptions on dividends or benefits related to large inheritances. At the same time, it suggests partially redirecting some existing taxes, such as a portion of the CSG or VAT revenues, towards pension systems. Furthermore, improving the fight against fraud would recover several hundred million euros annually, thus strengthening the system’s viability.
These recommendations, though surprising, aim to foster a constructive debate on pensions and to explore viable alternatives to ensure a sustainable future for the French pension system. The suggestions from artificial intelligence provide a new perspective that could inspire future political discussions.
