Retirement rage: French fury fueled by reform

France raised the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64, causing protests and strikes. The reform is to prevent a pension deficit. Other countries are also raising their retirement ages.

F rance has been experiencing protests and strikes due to the government’s decision to raise the minimum standard retirement age from 62 to 64. This reform has been met with fierce opposition from a part of the population, resulting in the longest-ever transport strike in early 2020.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has called the reform necessary to prevent a major deficit in the pension system. France, like many ageing societies in Europe, is looking to support a growing share of retirees among its population. However, unlike many of its neighbours, it has not raised the retirement age so far. The change is scheduled to be finalised by 2030.