French gov’t pushes through unpopular pension reforms without parliament vote

French Deputies of NUPES coalition (New Ecological and Social Union) show posters reading 'No to 64 years old' at the National Assembly in Paris, France, 16 March 2023. EFE/EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Paris, Mar 16 (EFE).- The French government on Thursday used special constitutional powers to push through controversial pension reforms, avoiding a vote in parliament. One of the most contentious issues in the reforms is an increase in the minimum retirement age, from 62 to 64. Prime minister Élisabeth Borne said the government could “not run … Read more

UK, France leaders to discuss migration, energy security in first bilateral talks in 5 years

French President Emmanuel Macron (C) greets British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak upon his arrival at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 10 March 2023, as part as the 36th French and British summit. EFE/EPA/YOAN VALAT

Paris, Mar 10 (EFE).- France and the United Kingdom on Friday announced an agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation in tackling irregular migration through the English Channel. French president Emmanuel Macron and UK prime minister Rishi Sunak announced an “unprecedented” deal to boost cross-Channel efforts to stem the flow of migrants traveling to the UK illegally … Read more

Strikers block refineries in France over pension reforms

Passengers walk at Gare de Lyon station amid a disruption in train services during a new day of nationwide strike led by French trade unions against the government's planned reform to the pension system, in Paris, France, 07 March 2023. EFE/EPA/TERESA SUAREZ

Paris, Mar 7 (EFE).- Over a million people in France went on strike Tuesday to protest against the government’s unpopular pension reforms which would raise the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64 years. Some 320 demonstrations have been organized across France and police are expecting between 1.1 and 1.4 million people to take part.  … Read more

France gov’t vows no concessions on retirement age despite fierce opposition

Paris, Jan 23 (EFE).- The French government said it would make some adjustments to controversial pension reforms but refused to delay the new minimum retirement age of 64 despite fierce opposition. The government’s objective is to restore an economic “balance” to France’s embattled pension system by 2030, labor minister Olivier Dussopt told reporters after a … Read more

France braced for nationwide strike over pension reforms

Paris, Jan 19 (EFE).- France was bracing itself for nationwide demonstrations and paralyzed transport services on Thursday after the country’s main unions called a strike in protest against the government’s proposed pension reforms. The strike is expected to have a major impact on public transport services and schools, with over 200 rallies called in cities … Read more