The proposal also included gradually introducing some capitalization, in which a worker’s contributions are invested for their future retirement, into the system. He also wants to require people to make monthly contributions for 45 years instead of 43.

Philippe’s plan appears largely in line with his pitch to voters as a fiscally responsible candidate who won’t hide from the truth.

But retirement reform is one of French politics’ most explosive issues. French President Emmanuel Macron’s flagship reform in 2023, which raised the age to 64 for most workers, sparked massive protests and was so unpopular that Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had to delay its implementation until after next year’s presidential election to save his government from being toppled.

Christophe Béchu, Philippe’s campaign director, said Tuesday that Philippe’s campaign would save €35 billion per year. “We are betting on people’s courage and responsibility,” he told a small group of reporters.

“Even if this reform means more effort, the French know other countries have made reforms and that we can’t sidestep this,” he said.

Philippe is struggling to hit his stride in a campaign currently dominated by far-right front-runner Marine Le Pen, who proposed bringing the retirement age down to 62 at an estimated cost of €9 billion per year, and surging far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who wants the retirement age back at 60.