PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that he hoped his hotly debated pensions reform plan, rammed through parliament without a vote, could finish “its democratic journey” a day before crucial votes.
Parliament will vote on the controversial measure Monday unless one of two no-confidence resolutions passes.
“After months of political and social consultation and more than 170 hours of debate which resulted in the vote of a compromise text between the [two parliamentary chambers]…”, Macron wished “that the text on pensions can go to the end of its democratic journey with respect for all”.
AFP reported the president’s office’s remark.
Macron’s plan would raise the legal retirement age from 62 to 64. It require more years of contributions to earn a full pension.
After weeks of generally peaceful protests, the government’s decision last week to use Article 49.3 of the constitution to drive the law through parliament without a vote sparked anger in the streets.
Two right-wing Republican leaders, who have declared they will not back no-confidence resolutions, claimed threats and intimidation Sunday.
A few moderate Lawmakers and the far-right National Rally filed Monday’s two no-confidence motions.
Left-wing deputies will appeal to the Constitutional Council if the no-confidence resolutions fail, as most experts believe.
“There will be no majority to bring the government down, but it will be a moment of truth”. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said of the two Monday afternoon attempts to overthrow the cabinet.
