Key takeaways:
- Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne was shouted down by lawmakers in the French National Assembly in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
- Macron invoked a special constitutional power to pass the bill without an outright majority, arguing it is necessary to prevent the pension system from falling into deficit.
- The proposed pension changes have sparked major strikes and protests across the country since January, and the outcome of the National Assembly vote will determine the future of the pension system in France.
The French National Assembly descended into chaos on Thursday as Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne attempted to be heard over chants from lawmakers demanding the government stand down. The uproar was in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to invoke a special constitutional power to impose a highly unpopular bill raising the retirement age from 62 to 64.
The government does not have enough support to pass the bill in the lower house, but a clause in the French constitution allows them to enact legislation without an outright majority. Macron argued the reform is necessary to prevent the pension system from falling into deficit as France’s population ages and life expectancy increases.
Lawmakers were shouting, their voices shaking with emotion as Macron made the risky move, which is expected to prompt quick motions of no-confidence in his government. The proposed pension changes have sparked major strikes and protests across the country since January.
In an effort to quell the unrest, Borne said, “We cannot bet on the future of our pensions.” The National Assembly was due to vote on the bill Thursday afternoon, and the outcome of the vote will determine the future of the pension system in France.
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