FRANCE: Senate approves pension reform draft, bill heads for final vote
The French Senate approved a pension reform bill on Tuesday, bringing the draft one step closer to law, despite weeks of nationwide protest against the reform. The text will come before the National Assembly on Wednesday for a final vote. Read More
FRANCE: Fuel shortage clouds holiday plans amid pension stand-off
Continuing strikes at France’s oil refineries affected fuel supplies at the start of half-term holidays on Saturday, a day after the French Senate approved a controversial bill to reform the country’s pension system. Read More
FRANCE: Senate passes controversial pension reform bill
The French Senate on Friday approved raising the retirement age from 60 to 62 after protracted debate that has led to a series of nationwide strikes, fuel blockades and riots. Read More
FRANCE: French Senate approves raising retirement age to 62
French Senators have backed a measure raising the minimum retirement age from 60 to 62, part of a controversial law to overhaul France’s pension system. Unions have planned an unlimited strike set to begin Oct. 12 in protest at the law. Read More
FRANCE: French Senate debates raising retirement age
Some 2,000 protesters in Paris faced off against riot police outside the French Senate Tuesday as lawmakers inside debated a bill that would raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. Labour Minister Eric Woerth says the government will not back down. Read More
FRANCE: French Senate set for fierce debate on pension reform
French senators examine controversial legislation designed to overhaul France’s pension system on Tuesday even as trade unions vow to continue organising strikes and street protests against government plans. Read More
FRANCE: Senate rejects Sarkozy crackdown on first-time offenders
The judiciary committee of the French Senate has rejected several amendments to a revised national security bill, which were tabled as part of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s campaign to toughen punishments for lawbreakers. Read More
FRANCE: Lawmakers pass bill to ban ‘burqa’ in public spaces
French lawmakers have approved a controversial draft law that would ban face-covering Islamic veils from being worn in public spaces. The bill will now go to the French Senate, which is expected to approve it in September. Read More