French President Emmanuel Macron made the first televised address on Monday in connection with the adoption of a controversial pension reform that has sparked massive protests.
This is reported “European Truth” with reference to AFP.
According to Macron, the pension reform was necessary, and the lack of action in this area was not the solution. At the same time, he expressed regret that a consensus on the reform could not be reached, and assured that he understood the anger of French citizens.
“Was this reform accepted? Obviously not. And despite months of consultations, no consensus was found, and I regret it… No one, especially me, can remain deaf to the demand for social justice,” the French President stressed.
He added that the answer to the protests against pension reform could not be “neither harshness nor extremism”, inviting trade unions – the main organizers of the protests – to negotiate.
Macron also announced that over the next 100 days he has instructed the French government to develop a roadmap for the implementation of pension reform, the first results of which will be announced on July 14, on the French national holiday.
Recall April 14, the Constitutional Council of France announced that the draft pension reform does not contradict the basic law. President Emmanuel Macron after signed itwhich means the final approval of the project.
Approximately three quarters of the French believe that the government should withdraw the reform in order for large-scale protests and strikes to finally stop.
Read more on this topic in the article: France on fire: how Macron went on a highly unpopular reform and where it will lead the country
