Macron defends pension reform in TV speech

French President Emmanuel Macron defended his controversial pension reform in a televised address. There was no alternative to raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, Macron said Monday evening. Otherwise, the premiums would have had to be increased or the pension level lowered. «Will this reform be accepted? Clearly not, and despite months of deliberations no consensus has been reached and I regret that,” Macron said. He announced that he would approach trade unions and employers.

The state should better deal with the anger of citizens about rising prices, the president said. “No one can turn a deaf ear to the demand for social justice and the renewal of our democratic life.” He wants to bring employers and trade unions together to discuss higher wages, a better distribution of wealth and greater integration of the elderly in the world of work.

Macron, whose camp no longer has an absolute majority in parliament, called for new coalitions and alliances – without specifying with whom. For him, too, the pension reform became a debacle as conservative Republicans in the opposition gradually withdrew their support from the project. Macron then pushed the reform through without a final vote in parliament, which only increased the anger of opponents. The reform has now entered into force with his signature. The unions announced further protests.

Macron announced that he is taking stock for the national holiday on July 14. “Before us are 100 days of reconciliation, unity, ambition and action in the service of France.” Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne will start drawing up the plans next week. (sda/dpa)