The Daily France’s Battle Over Retirement
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Mar 16, 2023 In this insightful discussion, Roger Cohen, the Paris bureau chief for The New York Times, breaks down the significant protests in France against raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. He explores the deep cultural beliefs tied to work and retirement, revealing the social unrest behind the government's controversial proposal. Cohen highlights the festive yet serious nature of the protests and examines the political implications for President Macron, illustrating a clash of values regarding identity and social welfare in French society.
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French vs. American Views on Work
- The French value retirement as a time for life to truly begin, prioritizing leisure and community.
- This contrasts with the American view of work as enriching and enhancing life.
Macron's Reform Motivation
- President Macron's push to raise the retirement age stems from his belief that France needs to work more to grow more.
- His first attempt at pension reform in 2019, including a universal system, faced massive strikes and was abandoned due to COVID.
Renewed Reform Efforts
- Macron's initial pension reform failed due to COVID and was put on hold during his re-election campaign.
- After winning, he revived the proposal due to increased deficits from COVID spending and the need for investments in defense and green energy.