Categories: World

Top French council paves way for Macron to raise retirement age

close Video

France protests: King Charles’ visit postponed amid protests

Former OMB director Mick Mulvaney weighs in on the revolt over retirement age hike and how it puts U.S. debt in focus on ‘Your World.’ 

France’s Constitution Council on Friday paved the way for French President Emmanuel Macron to officially raise the country’s age of retirement from 62 to 64 following months of protests over the controversial pension reform. 

The Council approved the plan that Macron’s government pushed through parliament last month with some changes, though the body kept the increase for the age of retirement, which has been the main motivator behind the nationwide protests. 

Macron now has 15 days to sign the measure into law to officially make the changes to the nation’s pension system, which the French president has argued is necessary to avoid a collapse to France’s Social Security program. 

French President Emmanuel Macron talks to the media as he awaits President of Costa Rica Rodrigo Chaves Robles for a meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris March 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

FRANCE’S MACRON ARGUES PROTESTS ARE A SOCIAL PRICE THAT GOVERNMENTS HAVE TO PAY TO PUSH REFORMS

Security forces were stationed outside the Constitutional Council Friday as more protests, which at times have turned violent, were anticipated depending on the Council’s decision. 

Macron reportedly agreed to meet with to union leaders Tuesday after rejecting a similar meeting last month.

“The doors of the Élysée [presidential palace] will remain open, without condition, for this dialogue,” his office said.

It is unclear if the unions, which have helped lead the mass protests, will consent to meet with Macron or what the French president hopes to accomplish out of such a meeting. 

Protesters march during a rally in Paris. (AP/Aurelien Morissard)

FRANCE’S MACRON MET WITH ANGRY PROTESTS DURING SPEECH IN NETHERLANDS, DAY AFTER SPARKING OUTRAGE ON TAIWAN

Union leaders have said the Council’s decisions would be respected. Though, eight unions sent a “common declaration” to the constitutional body reaffirming their opposition to the pension program changes. 

The unions have vowed to continue their protests in an attempt to persuade Macron not to sign the legislation, a move that is unlikely as the French president has made pension reform a cornerstone of his second term.

A demonstrator has a poster mocking French President Emmanuel Macron over his head during a demonstration March 28, 2023, in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

“As long as this reform isn’t withdrawn, the mobilization will continue in one form or another,” Sophie Binet, leader of the leftist CGT union, said Thursday.

Leader of the moderate CFDT union, Laurent Berger, also warned that “there will be repercussions” if the Constitutional Council paved the way for the legislation to reach Macron’s desk. 

The Associated Press Contributed to this report. 

Caitlin McFall is a Reporter at Fox News Digital covering Politics, U.S. and World news.

Share

Recent Posts

Serbia rocked by anti-corruption protests after construction tragedy

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for January 31 Fox News Flash top headlines…

54 minutes ago

Dutch police arrest three suspects after the theft of a priceless golden helmet from Romania

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for January 31 Fox News Flash top headlines…

54 minutes ago

Dems dismiss calls for apology after Jeffries vows ‘fight’ against Trump agenda ‘in the streets’

Congressional Democrats are dismissing the White House's demand for an apology after House Minority Leader…

1 hour ago

Legal experts say Kash Patel’s opposition to warrant requirement is not a major split

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's pick for FBI director, claimed Thursday that he won't stand…

1 hour ago

‘Important lesson’: Conservative activist reveals ‘fascinating’ experience at liberal Sundance Film Festival

A documentary about bridging the political divide in one of the most hotly contested battleground…

1 hour ago

Fox News Politics Newsletter: Taking It to the ‘Streets’

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration,…

1 hour ago