6.1 or 55 billion euros? Why are there two pension deficit figures?

The moment has been awaited for days. When on Tuesday afternoon, François Bayrou, new Prime Minister, in the middle of a general policy declaration, finally addresses the thorny issue of pension reform, the new head of government drops a figure: 55 billion euros. This is his estimate of the pension system deficit, of which 40 to 45 billion euros are directly supported by the state budget. In front of their televisions, certain trade unionists specializing in the subject choke up: “I said to myself, what is this number? » confides one. “I smiled,” adds another. By telling myself: He dared. »