Pensions: the 2023 reform increased the pension of 1.3 million people by an average of 52 euros

The exceptional increase in small pensions in the 2023 Borne reform increased the gross monthly pension of nearly 1.3 million retirees by an average of 52 euros, according to figures published Wednesday October 14 by Drees, the statistical department of social ministries.

The increase in small pensions was one of the measures intended to soften this very unpopular reform, which also pushed back the legal retirement age to 64 years. But during debates in Parliament, the government was accused of overselling its effect. Certain officials of the executive or the majority had in fact affirmed that the effort on small pensions would make it possible to arrive at “1200 euros of minimum pension”, before renouncing this figure contested by the experts.

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Women, big winners from this revaluation

According to figures published on Wednesday October 14, women represent 67% of the beneficiaries of this increase, and they benefited from an average increase higher than that of men: 58 euros gross monthly, compared to 39 euros for men. The difference is explained by the lower average salary they receive in their career, which makes them more eligible than men for this solidarity mechanism.

The Drees publishes these figures in its very voluminous annual overview on pensions, which this year dissects the figures for 2024. Among the other effects of the pension reform, the Drees notes a decline of 7% in the number of new retirees in 2024, to 718,000 people. Furthermore, the retirement age, on an upward trend since 2010, accelerates its progression slightly in 2024, to settle at 63 years, she notes.

Generally speaking, in 2024 France had 17.3 million people receiving at least one direct pension, including 0.9 million not residing in France. The employed/retiree ratio remained stable compared to 2023 (1.77 employed workers for one retiree). The purchasing power of pensions is almost stable in 2024, at 1752 euros per month (2186 euros for men, 1383 euros for women).