Macron proposes raising retirement age
French President Emmanuel Macron’s government has proposed to raise the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64. Labour unions have called for strikes in response. According to Macron, forcing the French to work longer hours is necessary to raise the relatively low employment rates among elderly and prevent ongoing deficits in a public system supported by worker contributions.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s government has proposed to raise the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64. Labour unions have called for strikes in response. According to Macron, forcing the French to work longer hours is necessary to raise the relatively low employment rates among elderly and prevent ongoing deficits in a public system supported by worker contributions.
The reform is widely thought to be the defining move of Macron’s presidency.
In response, labour organisations have said that raising the retirement age adversely affects those who are low-skilled and have the least wealth, as both groups begin working early.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said she believed the reform was “a plan of fairness, a plan that brings social progress.”
