French president Nicolas Sarkozy’s controversial plan to raise the official retirement age from 60 to 62 by 2018 has been approved by the lower house of parliament.
The bill received the support of 329 legislators in France’s National Assembly. But 233 delegates from the opposition voted against the reform, and thousands more protested outside, angry about the changes.
Under new proposals, people will be able to access their full pension regardless of their contribution period between the ages of 65 to 67. The retirement age is expected to be increased again at a later date.
The government argues that the changes will help reduce its annual deficit.
Trade unions have already announced a day of strikes next week. On Sept. 7, one million people took to the streets to protest the same action.
