Pension reform

Pension reform - French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a "rapid compromise" with unions over a pension reform. The government claims the reform would be fairer and more sustainable.

Unions have staged four consecutive weeks of strikes that have crippled train and metro services across the country. Macron called for a “rapid compromise” between unions and his government, which has already offered concessions to a growing list of sectors in an effort to woo workers and divide the unions.

Police officers, gendarmes, firefighters and prison guards were among the first to secure guarantees that they would still be able to retire at 57 – and, in some cases, at 52. Air traffic controllers won the same rights, while air pilots and stewards obtained smaller concessions, as did truck drivers, fishermen and Paris Opera dancers.

As the list of exemptions grows longer, opposition parties have mocked a reform that is becoming universal in name only. Macron himself has warned against allowing special treatment for any one group, arguing that more concessions would surely follow, “like dominoes”.

But two categories have been apparently ignored by the government workers at SNCF, France’s national rail company, and RATP, the Paris transport firm – which have spearheaded the strike movement and rank among the reform’s biggest losers.

Last local news

Evening Update Friday 30th May 2025

Another power outage has hit three towns on Friday morning, the 30th of May, affecting 120 homes in the Alpes-Maritimes.... Evening Update Friday 30th May 2025 Read More

30/05/2025

French and Riviera News Friday 30th May 2025

France’s health minister has announced that France will introduce a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor public areas commonly visited by children, st... French and Riviera News Friday 30th May 2025 Read More

30/05/2025

Evening Update Thursday 29th May 2025

The Var department has experienced its first "tropical night" of the season, with temperatures not dropping below 25°C at 3 am, particularly in Hyères... Evening Update Thursday 29th May 2025 Read More

29/05/2025

S.B.M. Group reports strong growth and record results for 2024/2025

The Société des Bains de Mer (S.B.M.) has announced solid financial results for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, ending March 31, 2025, with revenue rising ... S.B.M. Group reports strong growth and record results for 2024/2025 Read More

29/05/2025

French and Riviera News Thursday 29th May 2025

France is set to experience record-breaking heat over the Ascension Day holiday, with tomorrow, Friday, May 30th, expected to be the hottest day of th... French and Riviera News Thursday 29th May 2025 Read More

29/05/2025