French Constitutional Council approves raising the retirement age to 64

The French Constitutional Council recognized the main part of the government’s pension reform as conforming to the constitution, writes Le Figaro newspaper. The amendments, which have caused thousands of protests, also propose raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 years.

At the same time, the council rejected some of the points of the reform aimed, among other things, at increasing the employment of older workers. The council also rejected a demand put forward by the left opposition for a referendum on reform. According to the publication, the decisions of the Constitutional Council are not subject to appeal.

It is noted that at present the protesters are gathering near the building of the Paris City Hall.

In mid-March, French Prime Minister Elisabeth Born announced the adoption of a law raising the retirement age in the country from 62 to 64, Vedomosti wrote. This happened without a final vote in the lower house of parliament. Due to the risk of not getting the required number of votes in the lower house of parliament, French President Emmanuel Macron approved the use of Art. 49.3 of the constitution, which allows the adoption of a law without the approval of parliament.

On March 16, the French Senate (upper house) approved the pension reform bill in a final vote of 193 in favor and 114 against. The vote took place amid thousands of demonstrations across the country.

According to the government’s plan, the retirement age in France will increase from September 1, 2023 by three months a year to reach 64 by 2030. This increase will affect French people born in September 1961 and later. Also, from 2027, a rule is introduced, according to which, in order to receive a full pension, it is necessary to make insurance contributions (that is, to be officially employed) for 43 years. If a person does not have such an experience, then it will be possible to apply for a full payment upon retirement at 67 years old.

The reform also provides for an increase in the minimum pension to 1,200 euros, as well as the abolition of a number of special pension regimes. The need for changes is justified by the reduction in the number of actively working taxpayers and the growth of the budget deficit. At the same time, life expectancy in France increased, reaching 85 years for women and 79 years for men.