A stark new poll has laid bare a profound European crisis of confidence in state pension systems, revealing that a majority of citizens believe they will soon become unaffordable, yet fiercely oppose the reforms needed to sustain them.
Widespread Pessimism on Pension Affordability
The six-country YouGov survey, covering the UK, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and Poland, found deep-seated anxiety about the future. Majorities in Italy (61%), France, Germany, and Spain (all between 52% and 61%) said their national scheme is already unaffordable, with 45% agreeing in Poland. In the UK, the figure was lower but still significant at 32%.
Looking ahead, pessimism intensifies. Between 49% and 66% of respondents in all six nations believe their country's pension system will be unaffordable by the time today's 30- and 40-year-olds retire. This highlights the severe pressure on 'pay as you go' systems, where current workers fund retirees, as populations age and birth rates fall.
Public Resistance to Necessary Reforms
Despite recognising the financial strain, the public shows little appetite for the tough choices governments face. The poll found net opposition in all nations to raising the state pension age, increasing taxes on workers, obliging children to support parents, or cutting pension amounts.
Opposition to a higher retirement age was particularly strong, ranging from 47% in France to 65% in Germany. Sentiment on the ideal age varied: 20% in the UK and 38% in Poland felt it should be 60, while 22% in Italy to 45% in the UK favoured 65. A plurality in France (22%) supported keeping it at 62.
Proposals to reduce pension payments were even more overwhelmingly rejected, with opposition running from 81% in Germany to 61% in Italy. Concurrently, majorities between 53% and 83% across the surveyed countries believe current pension payouts are too low—a feeling even stronger among pensioners themselves (72-88%).
A Glimmer of Consensus and Generational Divides
The survey did identify some areas of potential agreement. The idea of legally obliging workers to pay into private or workplace pensions found notable support, especially in the UK (57%) following auto-enrolment reforms, as well as in Germany (49%) and France (41%).
Support for the state helping older workers stay in their jobs longer was also fairly popular, peaking at 57% in Poland. Notably, Italians stood out in favouring measures targeting the wealthy, with 66% supporting higher taxes on better-off pensioners to fund the poorest, and 52% favouring denying state pensions to high-income retirees.
The poll revealed a clear generational split in attitudes. Retirees, such as the 62% in the UK who believe their pension is affordable, tended to oppose cuts. Working-age people, of whom 57% in Germany and the UK lack confidence in a comfortable retirement, largely rejected a higher pension age or more taxes on their cohort.
This comprehensive data underscores the immense political challenge facing European governments. As attempts at reform in France, Germany, Spain, and Italy have met stiff, sometimes violent resistance, the poll confirms there is no easy public consensus for the difficult path ahead.
