Tomorrow, as life expectancy rises, the dependence of the elderly will pose another risk. The loss of independence of the elderly is presently handled in different ways by industrialised countries. Some have developed an insurance-based approach that is part of the social security system, others still rely on family solidarity. The French government, for its part, is working on a bill that will considerably compensate the loss of independence of the elderly. We will replace the current great disparities with an objective right that will vary with the degree of dependence and income and will be applied the same throughout the country.
Pensioners are also a major factor.
They were often the driving force behind the social security mechanisms in industrialised countries, yet they will more likely than not be confronted with a difficult demographic situation. Each country will of course have to find its own best answer, depending on its history, its collective choices, its institutions. We for our part are working to preserve the system of retirement benefits that the French hold so dear. To that end, a reserve fund has been established to supplement pension funds in the long run. On subjects like this, the International Labour Organisation can and must speak out.