In the night from Wednesday to Thursday, the French Senate approved the increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64 years. That reports Le monde. The proposal received 201 votes in favor and 115 votes against.
The increase in the retirement age is one of the most controversial parts of the French government’s plans to reform the pension system. French President Emmanuel Macron has been pushing for reform since his first candidacy. According to him, the increase in the retirement age is a response to the aging population and the financial decline of pension funds.
The French population has taken to the streets en masse several times in recent months to express their dissatisfaction with Macron’s plans. Major strikes also took place in education and public transport, among other things.
Last month, the pension plans were already discussed in the French Assembly, comparable to the Dutch House of Representatives. There was no vote on most parts because the debates were chaotic. Later today, the Senate will continue to discuss Macron’s other proposals to adjust the pension system.
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