The long-awaited verdict of the Elders has fallen: the essentials of the reform are validated – in particular the postponement of the legal age to 64 – and six provisions, including the senior index, are rejected. What about it? Is it a legal victory? A political victory? This marks in any case, according to the Prime Minister, Élisabeth Borne, "the end of a democratic process".
Mathieu Lefèvre, Renaissance MP for the 5th constituency of Val-de-Marne, on the front line in defending pension reform for three months, believes that the law must be enacted without delay and calls for "the responsibility of stakeholders to public debate". Interview.
Mathieu Lefèvre: You can never prejudge the decision of the Constitutional Council. The decision rendered is indisputable and, as usual with the institution in rue de Montpensier, both exhaustive and precise. It proves that the bill was consistent with our basic law and that its democratic path is complete. Most of the reform is validated. This is good news for our social model, the sustainability of which is assured.
Should we implement the reform without delay or respect, at first, a "period of convalescence", according to the expression of Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne?
Its promulgation in the short term is necessary, because this reform is just as important. This is perfectly compatible with the pursuit of social dialogue, whether it is to continue the transformations of the country or to respond to the crisis of meaning that may have emerged on the occasion of the presentation of this reform.
What consequences could this decision of the Elders have in the short and medium term on the social climate in France?
This decision is indisputable and must be unchallenged, i.e. trade unions and political parties must respect its full legitimacy. This does not mean that there will be no more demonstrations. They will however have to recognize this decision and see to the peaceful continuation of these. Finally, I appeal to the responsibility of all stakeholders in the public debate to work to build the post-pension reform.
