Prime Minister speaks of ‘decisive step’
On Saturday, the French Senate approved the law that provides for an increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64 years, in a vote that collected 195 votes for it and 112 against it.
The approval comes at the end of the seventh day of protests, as more than a million French people took to the country’s streets to protest the measure.
“An important step has been taken,” Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne told AFP, referring to “hundreds of hours of discussion,” and spoke of a “decisive step.” The National Assembly meets next week for final approval, which is expected to be a little closer.
#vote | After une centaine d’heures de débat, he adopts Le Sénat le texte de la réforme des retraites. Une étape décisive pour faire aboutir une réforme qui assurera l’avenir de nos retraites. Total engagée for permettre une and definitive in les prochains days. pic.twitter.com/c2KC0XxB0s
– Elizabeth Bourne (@Elisabeth_Borne) March 11, 2023
Next Wednesday, a joint House and Senate committee will meet to discuss the final vote. If they agree to the text, that vote must take place one day later. This is where the law will be put to the test, as Emmanuel Macron’s party will need allies to pass the proposal.
If it feels it will not get enough votes in the lower house of Parliament, the government can always try to pass the law without showing it to MPs, in a procedure known as 49.3, the article number providing for it. Possibility.
If this is the way forward, the opposition would have to put forward a motion of censure that would have to have a majority of at least 289 MPs, which could block passage of the law.
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