France's Pension Dilemma: Baby Boomers in the Hot Seat

France's government is trying to address its expensive pension bill by involving pensioners themselves in budget cuts. Criticism has arisen from both political figures and the public, with proposed reforms such as delaying pension increases meeting resistance. The ongoing debate highlights the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with political survival.

Amid mounting fiscal pressure, France's government is revisiting its costly pension system, urging pensioners to share the burden of budget cuts. Economists argue that targeting pensioners, particularly the baby-boom generation, is unavoidable as pensions comprise over a quarter of government spending.

Proposals to delay pension hikes sparked a political uproar, with Marine Le Pen vehemently opposing the move as a blow to seniors. Despite growing calls for pension reform, the political landscape remains fraught, with parties fearing backlash from senior voters.

Recent efforts, including pushing retirement age to 64, have proven insufficient as France's pension spending surpasses international averages. With the pension system projected to remain in deficit, calls for reform intensify, underscoring a complex blend of economic necessity and political strategy.

(With inputs from agencies.)