BBC (October 27)
The French National Assembly will vote on President Nicolas Sarkozy’s proposal to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. Most French agree pension reform is essential, yet the measure is explosive. Massive strikes crippled the country and Sarkozy’s approval ratings fell below 30%. The strikes and protests appear to be abating, with employees back to work at 5 of 12 oil refineries. However, a BBC correspondent reports, “the last skirmishes of this battle will still be dangerous both to the government and the economy.”
The French National Assembly will vote on President Nicolas Sarkozy’s proposal to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. Most French agree pension reform is essential, yet the measure is explosive. Massive strikes crippled the country and Sarkozy’s approval ratings fell below 30%. The strikes and protests appear to be abating, with employees back to work at 5 of 12 oil refineries. However, a BBC correspondent reports, “the last skirmishes of this battle will still be dangerous both to the government and the economy.”
