French President Emmanuel Macron wants to implement the planned increase in the retirement age from 62 to 65 as soon as possible. The increase should take place gradually from next year to 2031, Macron said in an interview with the France 2 broadcaster on Wednesday. Macron had also advertised this in the presidential election campaign.
As people lived longer, they would also have to work longer. There is no way around it, Macron explained. Not reforming would mean that the government would have to reduce the size of pensions. At the same time, Macron added that he was open to talking to unions about retirement age plans and making any adjustments.
Most opposition parties are against pension reform. In June, Macron’s centrist alliance lost its majority in parliament in an election. This means his government faces greater hurdles in getting legislation through the National Assembly.
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