“We are increasing the deficit further, this is not good news”, CPME forecast

Lawmakers were considering a proposal to delay this controversial reform on Wednesday, as part of an overhaul of the Social Security funding bill for 2026.

The Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CPME), Wednesday 12 November, expressed concern about the suspension of the pension reform, discussed today in the National Assembly, considering that the measure risks exacerbating imbalances in the system. “We are increasing the deficit, this is not good news”estimates Éric Chevée, CPME vice president in charge of social affairs, guest of franceinfo. “We have a system that is already experiencing a deficit, even with the Borne reforms“, he recalled, referring to the text adopted in 2023 through 49.3.

Deputies on Wednesday were considering a proposal to postpone this controversial reform, as part of an examination of the Social Security financing bill for 2026. Sébastien Lecornu’s government, on Wednesday morning, submitted an amendment aimed at including long-term careers in this suspension, in response to a long-standing request from the left. Extending the suspension of pension reform, especially for long-term careers, would cost 200 million euros in 2026 and 500 million euros in 2027, according to these amendments.

Éric Chevée considers it risky to extend the system to specific asset profiles. “I don’t know if we should integrate the long career and active categories, as we know very well that only a few people in these categories are really exposed to difficulties or professional burnout. We are starting to have an addition that becomes very heavy and worrying”he warned.

This suspension is a compromise price so that France has a budget. He accepted the principle: “We do not completely ignore the extraordinary political situation we are currently experiencing and, of course, it is very important to have a budget for 2026, as soon as possible and in the best possible conditions.”

Entrepreneur representatives are also worried about the direct impact on the business world. “The economic and budget situation in France creates great uncertainty for French companies. Obviously, what really worries us is that all this uncertainty means that recruitment has stopped, investment has stopped and the French economy is in ruins.”he concluded.