Sophie Binet denounces pension reform at the Fête de l'Humanité
During the traditional Fête de l'Humanité, held this weekend, CGT General Secretary Sophie Binet took the floor to express her firm opposition to the pension reform. The union leader sharply criticized the defined-contribution pension system, labeling it the "heist of the century."
Before a large audience, Sophie Binet explained that this reform threatens the French social model. According to her, the shift toward a defined-contribution pension system risks weakening national solidarity and reducing the amount of pensions for future retirees. She called for increased mobilization to defend the current pay-as-you-go system.
This speech marks an important milestone for the unions at the start of this social season. Sophie Binet aims to set the "tone" for the unions, meaning defining the course of action and the priorities of workers' organizations for the months to come. She hopes that these positions will help open a new dialogue with the government on issues of social protection.
The Fête de l'Humanité, a major political and cultural event in France, provided an opportunity for many activists to debate current economic issues. The statements by the CGT General Secretary highlight the persistent tensions between the unions and the executive branch regarding the future of the French pension system.