French Constitutional Council Raises Retirement Age to 64

The French Constitutional Council approved the law raising the retirement age to 64 and rejected a proposal from left-wing parties for a public referendum. The French president is preparing to sign the pension reform within the next 48 hours. Labor Minister Olivier Dussopt stated, "The bill will come into effect on September 1st, as initially planned." Demonstrators gathered outside the Paris City Hall upon the announcement of the council's decision regarding the bill, holding signs reading "Climate of Anger" and "Strikes Continue Until the Bill is Withdrawn." Protests and marches in France resumed on Thursday after labor unions called for a "Day of Protest" against the pension reform, which faces widespread public discontent.