France’s controversial reforms to pension age pass constitutional test

French President Emmanuel Macron’s major pension reforms passed the constitutional test on Friday and could now be announced in the coming days.

The law, which pushes the age at which one can draw a full pension to 64 from 62, is very unpopular in France and has sparked huge protests.

But in what will be a major relief for Macron and his government, the country’s Constitutional Council gave the green light. The council said the government’s action was in line with the constitution and approved raising the legal retirement age.

Macron and his government hope the result will dampen union-led protests, which have sometimes turned violent.

“The country must continue to move forward, work, and face the challenges that await us,” Macron said earlier this week.

But hard-line unions and the opposition warned they would not back down and urged Macron not to make an announcement.

The opposition made another referendum bid

Protesters gathered outside Paris City Hall, holding banners reading “climate of anger” and “no end to strikes until reforms are withdrawn” as the Constitutional Council verdict was announced.

Separately, the Constitutional Council rejected the proposal of the opposition to organize a citizens’ referendum on the pension reform. The opposition has made another bid for a referendum, which should be considered by the Council in early May.

Political observers say discontent over the government’s reforms could have long-term consequences, including a boost to the far right.