French President Emmanuel Macron’s iconic pension reform passed a litmus constitutional test on Friday and may be enacted in the coming days.
The legislation, which extends the age at which a full pension can be drawn from 62 to 64, is highly unpopular in France and has sparked serious protests.
But in what will be a great relief for Macron and his government, the country’s Constitutional Council has given him the green light.
The Council said that the Government’s measures were in line with the Constitution and approved the increase in the statutory retirement age.
Macron and his government hope this result will discourage further union protests, which have at times turned violent.
“The country must move forward, work and face the challenges that await us”, declared Macron earlier this week.
But hardline unions and the opposition have warned that they will not give up and have urged the president not to enact the law.
Protesters gathered in front of the Paris City Hall with banners reading “climate of cholera” and “there will be no end to the strikes until the reform is withdrawn” when the verdict of the Constitutional Council was announced.
On the other hand, the Constitutional Council rejected an opposition proposal to organize a citizen referendum on the pension reform.
The opposition has submitted another referendum proposal, which must be reviewed by the Council in early May.
Political observers say widespread discontent over government reform could have longer-term repercussions, including a possible resurgence of the far right.
Source: Reuters
Source: Gestion
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