From the demonstrations in Paris (AFP)
The French Constitutional Council has given the go-ahead to the bill to raise the retirement age, put forward by the president Emmanuel Macron, It sparked a wave of popular protests for weeks, prompting its conversion into law and its entry into force.
The bill would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, but it has caused massive and sometimes violent protests in recent weeks, according to Reuters.
Simple reservations
The Council also gave the green light to the draft law, while expressing some minor reservations about it, in a move that may represent a source of great relief for Macron and his government.
He said that the government’s measures were in line with the constitution, and then he agreed to raise the retirement age, while canceling some measures that enhance job opportunities for older workers, on the grounds that they are not concerned with this legislation.
Sept. 1
For his part, Labor Minister Olivier Dusopt revealed that the draft law will enter into force on the first of September, as was initially planned, ignoring the demands of trade unions not to issue it against the backdrop of mass popular opposition.
When the council announced its decision on the bill, demonstrators gathered outside the Paris city building and held banners reading “A climate of anger” and “Strikes continue until the bill is withdrawn.”
Demonstrators outside the Paris city building (Reuters)
Limit protests
It is noteworthy that opinion polls show that the vast majority opposes raising the retirement age, In addition, the government relied on Article 49.3 of the constitution, which allows it to pass the bill without a final vote in Parliament.
While Macron and his government hope that this decision will lead to a reduction in protests led by trade unions, which have at times turned violent.
no retreat
Earlier this week, Macron said: “The country must continue to move forward, work and face the challenges that lie ahead.” But the opposition and trade unions have warned that they will not back down.
The Constitutional Council also rejected a proposal by the opposition to organize a citizens’ referendum on the draft law.
The opposition made another attempt to hold a referendum on the bill, but the parliament will not consider this matter until early May.
