France’s National Assembly has started plenary deliberations on the government’s planned pension reform. The discussion about the controversial project started this afternoon in a heated mood. Because Labor Minister Olivier Dussopt was initially barely able to speak due to the unrest on the opposition benches, the meeting was interrupted for a few minutes shortly after it began. France’s government wants to gradually raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. She is counting on getting the reform through with the votes of the opposition Republicans. But there is still no majority.
In addition to the gradual increase, the government under Head of State Emmanuel Macron wants to accelerate the increase in the payment period required for a full pension. In addition, individual pension systems with privileges for certain professional groups are to be abolished. The minimum pension should rise to around 1,200 euros.
France’s left camp and the right-wing nationalists reject the reform. More than 20,000 amendments were tabled for the plenary debate. The plans are also met with resistance from the general public. In surveys, almost two-thirds spoke out against it.