Paris (AFP)

Édouard Philippe said Wednesday night on TF1 "firm" on the principle of a universal pension system but "not closed" to the discussion with trade unions, all opposed to this reform.

"I am firm on the principle (...) of a system that will concern everyone (...) truly universal", but "I am not closed and I indicated to all social organizations and union that there were a whole series of points on which we could improve the reform, "said the Prime Minister in the 20-hour newscast, referring in particular to the consideration of hardship and family rights.

He said that he would say to Laurent Berger, the head of the CFDT, "that we have, in the universal system to which the CFDT is attached, that it wants to create for a very long time, taken into account many of the demands it formula and we can refine them ".

"I said (also) that (...) if the social partners who believe in the universal system agree to say what is the path to achieve balance (financial system, ed) , the trajectory and the instruments, I take ".

"But I can not say to the French: there will be more, there will be new social rights and there will probably be balance (...) but I will not tell you how we go do, "developed Mr. Philippe.

Laurent Berger called at the same time, on France 2, the government to back down on the establishment of an age of equilibrium from 2022.

"I reply to all the trade union organizations that in what I have proposed today, there is a considerable number of advances, very clear social progress, we have conceived them together, by listening to them and taking a whole series of important things they had to say, and that we will continue, "insisted Philippe.

The Prime Minister assured that "everyone would win" with the reform, which has led to the rejection of all unions and opposition parties.

He also said that he expected the reform to be strongly opposed: "No one imagines that when we try to change the pension system, when we somehow jostle situations that are well established (...) we will come up against oppositions ".

He expected it all the more when one says things which are not necessarily pleasant to hear as for example the fact that gradually and without brutality, one will work a little longer ".

"When you say that, you're never very popular," he added, "and yet the French know very well that we'll have to work a little longer, they're doing it already."

© 2019 AFP