Retirement: Waning Optimism Among the French
As the annual adjustment of the Agirc-Arrco supplementary pension approaches (with an expected increase of +0.6% to +1% on November 1), the French remain largely worried about their future. According to the ASAC-FAPES / IFOP study, one in two working individuals has a negative outlook on their future retirement.
A Country Divided in Two
Behind the national average, the survey highlights significant regional disparities. In Île-de-France, 67% of working adults express confidence, compared to only 36% in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie.
These gaps directly reflect the level of investment in savings products: 55% of residents in Île-de-France hold a life insurance policy, compared to 41% in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Stock market investments follow the same trend: 31% in Île-de-France versus 14% in the Southwest.
As for the Retirement Savings Plan (PER), it involves 27% of people in Île-de-France but only 10% of those in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This wealth gap translates into unequal economic security regarding retirement.
Saving as a Shield of Confidence
According to Nathalie Lejeune, CEO of FAPES Diffusion, the succession of reforms has « fueled distrust in the pay-as-you-go system. » In this context, individual savings become essential to preserve future purchasing power.
Retirees estimate they are short by 531 euros each month to live comfortably (SilverAlliance study, February 2025).
While the increase in Agirc-Arrco remains symbolic, it highlights the need for a complementary pillar through capitalization, based on life insurance, the PER, or holding financial assets. This is a reality that only part of households are currently anticipating.
This content has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence. While we strive for accuracy, some nuances may differ from the original French version.
