Dispute over pension reform in France: strikes and protests again

After the failed talks between the French trade unions and the government on the pension reform, strikes and protests against the project were once again held in France.

Protesters are said to have blocked access to part of Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on Thursday, roads and universities were also blocked in several places. Authorities expect up to 800,000 protesters across the country against the gradual increase of the retirement age from 62 to 64.

A decision has now been taken on President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reform. He and the middle government want to close an imminent gap in the pension fund with her. The trade unions and large parts of the opposition reject the reform as unfair.

The retirement age in France is currently 62 years. In fact, retirement starts later on average: those who have not paid in long enough to receive a full pension continue to work longer. At the age of 67, there will then be a pension without deductions, regardless of how long it has been paid in – the government wants to maintain this, even if the number of years of contribution for a full pension increases faster. She wants to increase the monthly minimum pension to around 1,200 euros.

However, the reform has not yet entered into force. Macron wants this to happen before the end of the year. The project is currently being examined by the Constitutional Council. MPs, senators and Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne called on the authority to investigate the text. The Constitutional Council may undo or declare the reform constitutional in whole or in part. He wants to announce his decision next Friday. (saw/sda/dpa)