France sees rise in progressive retirement participation

The number of beneficiaries of the progressive retirement scheme in France has seen a significant increase. According to data from the Caisse nationale d’assurance vieillesse (Cnav), there were 66,816 beneficiaries as of June 30, compared to 34,798 a year prior and only a handful in 2015.

This growth is attributed to successive easing of access conditions, including the opening of the scheme to the public sector and liberal professions in 2023. As of September 1, 2025, the eligibility age was lowered to 60 for all generations, though 150 quarters of contributions are still required. A generational effect is also noted, with workers born between 1963 and 1966 utilizing the system more frequently.

Parallel to the rise in progressive retirement, concerns regarding income drops during retirement persist. Projections for the generation born in 1963 indicate significant variations in net replacement rates—the ratio between the first pension and the last salary. For example, the rate is estimated at 79.9% for a non-manager in the private sector with two children, but drops to 51.5% for private sector managers and 45.6% for civil servants with high bonus components.