Workers in many French cities took to the streets Thursday to reject proposed pension changes that would push back the retirement age, amid a day of nationwide strikes and protests, according to a report from the Associated Press.
Under the new rules, French workers would have to work longer before receiving a pension — with the nominal retirement age rising from 62 to 64. In a country with an aging population and growing life expectancy where everyone receives a state pension, the French government says the reform is the only way to keep the system solvent.
Unions argue the pension overhaul threatens hard-fought rights and instead propose a tax on the wealthy or more payroll contributions from employers to finance the pension system. Polls suggest most French people also oppose the reform.
