How can we reinvent our social model?

How can we reinvent our social model?
A necessary debate, beyond political divisions

On 4 November, as France’s Social Security system celebrated its 80th anniversary and the Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS) was being presented to the National Assembly, a fundamental question resurfaced in the public debate: how can we reinvent our social model?

A model that is admired and envied, yet now weakened by a double constraint — growing needs and limited resources — all within an unstable political context.

It was around this central question that the Mermoz Debate, organised by Le Cercle des économistes, LCP–Assemblée nationale, and the Institut Louis Bachelier, took place to mark the publication of the new issue of Mermoz magazine:
“Our Social Model: A Masterpiece in Peril.”

A model at a crossroads

Economists, policymakers and field practitioners gathered to confront their views and attempt to offer answers to questions that are both fundamental and urgent:

• Without a parliamentary majority, can we avoid hitting the financing wall?
• Should social partners and mutual organisations regain a central role?
• Does our model have a future — and what kind?

While lines of division remain — between centralised tradition and mutualist culture, between left and right — the debate unfolded in a calm atmosphere conducive to collective reflection. At times, it is the disagreements themselves that illuminate the possible paths to reform.

Three angles to understand tomorrow’s challenges

The feature section of this new issue of Mermoz brings together 19 contributions to better grasp the complexity and stakes of the French social model:

1. A French exception?

Professor Alain Supiot (Collège de France) questions the singularity of France’s social model, while Monika Queisser places it in perspective with those of neighbouring European countries.
Léo Rosell revisits the origins of Social Security, Nicolas Duvoux explores its role in social cohesion, and a series of charts illustrates the reality of social protection in France.

2. A model under fire

From Sacha Lévy-Bruhl to Julien Damon, and including Anne Ferrer (Montpellier University Hospital) and Myriam El Khomri, several authors analyse the tensions, perceptions and practical challenges faced by the system — from healthcare to employment, from solidarity to competitiveness.

3. What future for a viable model?

Bruno Palier calls for a change in political culture, Pierre-Yves Geoffard advocates a redesign adapted to emerging risks, and a debate on financing pits Dominique Méda against Philippe Trainar.
Finally, Nicolas da Silva, Éric Chenut and Patrick Martin propose three more radical reform scenarios.

Perspectives on current economic issues

This issue also revisits three key analyses:

• The debt wall with Jézabel Couppey-Soubeyran
• The impact of a scorching summer of 2025 on European growth with Katheline Schubert
• Economic pragmatism in a context of geopolitical tensions, according to Marie-Françoise Renard

Facing a crisis of confidence, redefining our social model appears to be as much a democratic urgency as an economicone.

And although the debate still struggles to find its place on the political stage, here it finds a space to take shape — at the crossroads of disciplines and perspectives.

Discover the debate summary and the 19 contributions of the new issue of Mermoz:
👉 Our Social Model: A Masterpiece in Peril

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