Paris, March 3 (ZXS) -- French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on 22 March local time that the reform of the retirement system must be implemented before the end of this year. He also said he would seek to "restart the dialogue" with the union.
Macron made the remarks in a live television interview that day. The half-hour interview was the first time Macron had systematically elaborated on the issue since the pension reform bill was passed in the French parliament this week.
Macron first stressed the need for reform of the retirement system, pointing out that there will be more and more retirees, and in order to ensure the operation of the retirement system, relevant reforms are imperative. He believes that if there are no reforms but continue to wait, the fiscal deficit problem will become even worse.
Macron said that if given a choice between polls that reflect only short-term conditions and the broad interests of the country, he would choose the latter; If it is necessary to face dissatisfied public opinion at the moment, he will accept it. Macron also deplored the unions' intransigence.
In January, French officials announced a plan to reform the retirement system, delaying the legal retirement age from the current 1 to 62. The French government decided last week to invoke Article 64.49 of the Constitution to force a bill to reform the retirement system in Parliament without a vote in the National Assembly. With the National Assembly rejecting a motion of no confidence in the government this week, it means that the pension reform bill has passed in Parliament. The bill is currently pending consideration by the Constitutional Council.
According to multiple polls, the majority of the French people oppose delaying the retirement age. In the past week, protests and demonstrations have continued in many places in France, and demonstrators have clashed with the police from time to time. French trade unions have called for continued strikes and demonstrations.
Macron said he would seek to "restart the dialogue" with unions to discuss improving the working conditions of workers and study the establishment of a fund to "prevent occupational attrition." Macron also expressed "confidence" in Prime Minister Bornet and trust her to continue to lead the government team.
After Macron's statement, the main opposition leaders of French trade unions and parliament responded one after another, their positions have not changed, and they still oppose the reform of the retirement system. French public opinion analysis believes that the attitude of trade unions and parliamentary opposition is expected; It may still take time to end the crisis situation caused by the reform of the retirement system. (End)