France implements pension reforms for mothers and eyes 2027 budget freezes

France is implementing significant changes to its pension system, effective September 1, 2026. New decrees aim to reduce the gender pension gap by adjusting how reference salaries are calculated for mothers. Instead of using the 25 best years of earnings, the calculation will now use 24 years for mothers of one child and 23 years for those with two or more. This measure is expected to increase average pensions for affected women by approximately 1%.

Additionally, mothers can now count up to two birth-related quarters toward early retirement for long careers. Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandoua has also indicated plans to review the 10% pension bonus for parents of three or more children to ensure it does not disproportionately benefit men due to higher average male salaries.

Looking toward the 2027 budget, the government is considering austerity measures to reduce public deficits. This includes a potential freeze on the revalorization of pensions exceeding 3,000 euros gross per month, a move that could save over one billion euros. Officials have clarified that small pensions and the RSA (social solidarity income) will not be targeted by such freezes.