Macron defends pension reform and wants to talk to unions

French President Emmanuel Macron has defended his controversial pension reform against constant criticism and promised dialogue with trade unions. The country must move forward and he wants to talk to the social partners about how things are going, Macron said on Wednesday during a visit to the Netherlands on the eve of new protests in France. Dialogue in the spirit of unity is necessary whether the Constitutional Council approves or criticizes the reform on Friday, Macron said.

The reform, which raises the retirement age from 62 to 64, is necessary and is also about France’s credibility, Macron said. Government budgets must be balanced and he defends the French social model. To do this, however, France would have to produce more and reindustrialize. He had heard no alternatives from the opponents of the reform. Macron had largely stayed out of the months-long dispute over the reform that had now been decided.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to protest again on Thursday against the reform in France. On Friday, the Constitutional Council will announce the result of an evaluation of the project. He can undo or declare the reform constitutional in whole or in part. Macron wants the reform to take effect by the end of the year. (sda/dpa)