Macron’s Pension Reform May Get Nod From Opposition Republicans

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Eric Ciotti, leader of the Republican opposition party in France, said that the plan to raise the retirement age may get the party's support.

The president of the conservative party said in an interview that raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 in 2032 could be acceptable. Ciotti said that raising the smallest minimum pensions would be key to a deal.

It is good news for the party that lost the majority in the lower house of parliament. The government has since signaled willingness to compromise on the issue of a new retirement age.

Last week, Prime Minister Borne argued that the threshold was not a sign for the government. The changes to the pay-as-you-go pension system are due to be presented Tuesday, with labor-union leaders saying they will protest any attempt to raise the retirement age.

Budget Minister Gabriel Attal said on France 3 television that the pension system will be in debt in 25 years without reform. The government does not agree with raising taxes or reducing pensions to balance the system.