French President Emmanuel Macron's government on Monday narrowly survived two no-confidence motions in the parliament. The nation's 577 National Assembly rejected the motion brought by the centrist LIOT coalition by a very narrow margin. 278 MPs voted in favour of the tripartisan bill&nbsp;— nine less than the 287 needed for the motion to succeed.

A second no-confidence motion, tabled by the far-right National Rally (RN), also failed, gathering only 94 votes.

Watch |&nbsp;France: Protests continue over pension reforms, garbage collectors extend strike

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The result comes as a relief for Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and President Macron. A successful no-confidence vote would have sunk the government and would have killed the deeply unpopular legislation which seeks to raise the retirement age by two years to 64.

However, the relief could prove to be short-lived. As per Reuters, unions and protestors have vowed to carry on strikes and protests which in recent days have rocked the European nation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/resign-france-protests-escalate-as-govt-pushes-through-pension-change-without-vote-572931">'Resign': France protests escalate as govt&nbsp;pushes through pension change without vote</a>

Lawmakers from the hard left La France Insoumise (LFI, France Unbowed) were heard shouting "Resign!" at Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. They also brandished placards that read: "We'll meet in the streets," reports Reuters.

The pension reform has severely affected President Emmanuel Macron's personal ratings, bringing them to their lowest levels since the height of the 2019 protests. A survey on Sunday showed that Macron's approval ratings have tanked to a low, with only 28 per cent of the respondents viewing him in a positive light.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-union-members-police-clash-over-emmanuel-macrons-controversial-pension-reform-plan-573214">French union members, police clash over Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reforms</a>

A new round of protests, as per AFP, has been called across France on Thursday. These protests are expected to affect France's public transport severely, once again bringing it to a standstill. Government insiders and observers have raised fears that France may once again be heading towards a bout of anti-government protests like the "Yellow Vest" ones that hit the nation from 2018 to 2019.

(With inputs from agencies)

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French President Emmanuel Macron's government on Monday narrowly survived two no-confidence motions in the parliament. The nation's 577 National Assembly rejected the motion brought by the centrist LIOT coalition by a very narrow margin.

French President Emmanuel Macron's government on Monday narrowly survived two no-confidence motions in the parliament. The nation's 577 National Assembly rejected the motion brought by the centrist LIOT coalition by a very narrow margin. 278 MPs voted in favour of the tripartisan bill — nine less than the 287 needed for the motion to succeed. A second no-confidence motion, tabled by the far-right National Rally (RN), also failed, gathering only 94 votes. Watch | France: Protests continue over pension reforms, garbage collectors extend strike The result comes as a relief for Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and President Macron. A successful no-confidence vote would have sunk the government and would have killed the deeply unpopular legislation which seeks to raise the retirement age by two years to 64. However, the relief could prove to be short-lived. As per Reuters, unions and protestors have vowed to carry on strikes and protests which in recent days have rocked the European nation. Also read | 'Resign': France protests escalate as govt pushes through pension change without vote Lawmakers from the hard left La France Insoumise (LFI, France Unbowed) were heard shouting "Resign!" at Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. They also brandished placards that read: "We'll meet in the streets," reports Reuters. The pension reform has severely affected President Emmanuel Macron's personal ratings, bringing them to their lowest levels since the height of the 2019 protests. A survey on Sunday showed that Macron's approval ratings have tanked to a low, with only 28 per cent of the respondents viewing him in a positive light. Also read | French union members, police clash over Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reforms A new round of protests, as per AFP, has been called across France on Thursday. These protests are expected to affect France's public transport severely, once again bringing it to a standstill. Government insiders and observers have raised fears that France may once again be heading towards a bout of anti-government protests like the "Yellow Vest" ones that hit the nation from 2018 to 2019. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We'll meet in the streets': Macron's government narrowly survives no-confidence vote over pension reform

The French Senate on Thursday voted 201-115 to raise the retirement age by two years to 64 even as protests continued across the country. The Senate, dominated by the conservative Les Republicains party voted in favour of the motion, giving President Emmanuel Macron his first mini-victory in the ongoing saga.

The French Senate on Thursday voted 201-115 to raise the retirement age by two years to 64 even as protests continued across the country. The Senate, dominated by the conservative Les Republicains party voted in favour of the motion, giving President Emmanuel Macron his first mini-victory in the ongoing saga. Macron's government is facing a midnight Sunday deadline to finalise the legislation. The Senate on Thursday voted in favour of article 7 of the reform legislation while the remaining articles are expected be approved later this week. Afterwards, the proposal will be sent to a meditation committee comprising lawmakers from the Senate and the National Assembly. The passing of the bill comes a day after fuel deliveries from refineries across the country were blocked by striking workers. According to official figures, on the biggest day of demonstrations so far, 1.27 million people participated in the protest on January 31. Read more: France hit with new round of protests against pensions reform plan Why is the government extending the age limit? The government is of the view that extending the pension age will prevent the French service system from collapsing under the weight of deficits. Notably, the workers in France tend to retire much earlier than their European Union (EU) counterparts. The direct repercussion is that the French exchequer has to foot a bigger pension bill than most countries in the bloc. The French pensioners also receive 54.4 per cent of their last pay slip as pension on average. Comparatively, the average EU pension amount stands at 46.2 per cent. WATCH | WION Fineprint: French pension reforms face backlash In January, taking a stern approach, Macron said he will get the reform bill passed this year only. “This year will indeed be that of a pension reform that aims to guarantee the equilibrium of our system in the years and decades to come,” he had said in a televised address. Despite the resistance, the Macron government has remained steadfast that it will pass the legislation, having failed to do so on previous occasions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Mini-victory' for Macron as French Senate vote approves raising retirement age to 64

French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017.&nbsp;The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties. WION examines what is&nbsp;at risk for the president, the unions, and the nation as a whole as labour unions attempt to "put the country to a standstill."

<h2>Macron's pension reform: What is the plan?</h2>

In order to put France more in line with its European Union&nbsp;(EU) neighbours, most of which have raised the retirement age to 65 or higher, Macron's flagship plan would raise the minimum retirement age from its present level of 62 to 64, as reported by the Associated Press.&nbsp;

The measure also tightens the criteria for receiving a full pension and limits perks enjoyed by some public-sector workers, including those working for the Paris Metro.

The administration now emphasises that it is more about savings after stating previously&nbsp;that it was meant to make the system fairer.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media.

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🇫🇷 Gigantic demonstration in Marseille against the pension reform. <a href="https://t.co/tpmUsml9RM">pic.twitter.com/tpmUsml9RM</a>
— 𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙰𝙶𝙰𝙸𝙽𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚅𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙸𝙽𝙴 (@72powpow) <a href="https://twitter.com/72powpow/status/1633069703924183041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"The status quo in the next 10 years means 150 billion euros [$160 billion] of accumulated deficits and a fall in the quality of life of pensioners," Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt said at the weekend.&nbsp;

The revisions, which would also result in minor hikes for the lowest pensions, are expected to take effect in September 2023.&nbsp;

<h2>Who are against pension reforms?</h2>

The trade unions in France have planned five different protest days so far, but on Tuesday (March 7), they'll pick up the pace, and the possibility of rolling strikes could have serious consequences in the days to come, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;

Their major issue is that, in comparison to university graduates, unskilled people who frequently toil in physically taxing jobs and start their careers early are being&nbsp;penalised by the reforms.

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df314e76-3141-471d-93ba-72310130465f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20%2838%29.png" />

A cyclist passes by a banner that reads, ' Retirement at... raise fist strike, blockage, Macron get out' during protests in Montpellier, southern France on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP

They also dispute the government's claim that the pay-as-you-go pension system faces impending deficits, arguing that modest increases in contributions may prevent this from happening.

The unions have the support of both the Socialists and Greens as well as the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) political party, which wants to cut the retirement age to 60.

In addition to opposing the reform, Marine Le Pen's far-right party is also troubled by proposals to impose rolling strikes in France.

A host of left-wing scholars have also voiced disapproval, particularly famous economist Thomas Piketty, who views Macron as strengthening his reputation as "the president of the rich," as per AFP reports.&nbsp;

<h2>How do the strikes affect Macron?</h2>

During his first term, Macron attempted to advance pension reform but was unsuccessful. In April, during his re-election campaign, Macron brought up the subject once more.

Running on a similar pro-business platform, he beat Le Pen by promising to reduce unemployment and force the French to "work harder" in order to pay for the nation's social security system.

Political experts disagree, though, and Macron himself conceded in his victory speech that many people had supported him just to protect Le Pen from winning the presidency.

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="292fbbc5-958d-4eef-ae4c-d61a17ef664a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20%2839%29.png" />

CGT unionists take part in a demonstration on the Vieux Port (Old Harbour) in Marseille on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP

The 45-year-old has moved forward despite concerns from allies about the timing of the change so soon after the COVID-19 outbreak and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

"For Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron, pulling back would be an abdication," senior right-wing senator Bruno Retailleau, who supports the reform, told AFP.&nbsp;"If he pulled back, he couldn't reform anymore, his term would be over," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Are these protests common in France?&nbsp;</h2>

Since reforms occur in France without opposition, the administration is&nbsp;bracing itself for a rough road since the onset of the protests.&nbsp;

The labour movement's accomplishments over the past century are viewed by left-wingers as being under attack whenever there is an attempt to limit workers' rights, whether it be through reduced working hours, generous pensions, or protected employment contracts.

The 2010 demonstrations, when right-wing president Nicolas Sarkozy increased the retirement age from 60 to 62, may end up being eclipsed by the current ones.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media.

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🤬🇫🇷 Police throw TEAR GAS at protesters as they block highways and trucks all across France, just the beginning of full-scale demonstrations in country expected today, March 7, over government’s pension reform. <a href="https://t.co/4MYdxZLzNq">pic.twitter.com/4MYdxZLzNq</a>
— Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) <a href="https://twitter.com/Xx17965797N/status/1633046148788150274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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They surpass those of 1995, when the government was compelled to do the infamous U-turn on pensions, and are also larger.

The emergence of working from home and modern technologies has lessened interruptions, so the impact of Tuesday's stoppages is different.

<h2>What to expect next?</h2>

The government's plan is simple: push the law through parliament as quickly as possible and win approval by the middle of this month, or at the latest by March 26, as examined by AFP.

Macron's centrist party does not currently hold a majority in the National Assembly, but it should be able to rely on support from the right-wing Republican party to gain the required majorities in both houses.

(With inputs from agencies)

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French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017. The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties.

French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017. The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties. WION examines what is at risk for the president, the unions, and the nation as a whole as labour unions attempt to "put the country to a standstill." Macron's pension reform: What is the plan? In order to put France more in line with its European Union (EU) neighbours, most of which have raised the retirement age to 65 or higher, Macron's flagship plan would raise the minimum retirement age from its present level of 62 to 64, as reported by the Associated Press. The measure also tightens the criteria for receiving a full pension and limits perks enjoyed by some public-sector workers, including those working for the Paris Metro. The administration now emphasises that it is more about savings after stating previously that it was meant to make the system fairer. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media. 🇫🇷 Gigantic demonstration in Marseille against the pension reform. pic.twitter.com/tpmUsml9RM — 𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙰𝙶𝙰𝙸𝙽𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚅𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙸𝙽𝙴 (@72powpow) March 7, 2023 × "The status quo in the next 10 years means 150 billion euros [$160 billion] of accumulated deficits and a fall in the quality of life of pensioners," Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt said at the weekend. The revisions, which would also result in minor hikes for the lowest pensions, are expected to take effect in September 2023. Who are against pension reforms? The trade unions in France have planned five different protest days so far, but on Tuesday (March 7), they'll pick up the pace, and the possibility of rolling strikes could have serious consequences in the days to come, as reported by AFP. Their major issue is that, in comparison to university graduates, unskilled people who frequently toil in physically taxing jobs and start their careers early are being penalised by the reforms. A cyclist passes by a banner that reads, ' Retirement at... raise fist strike, blockage, Macron get out' during protests in Montpellier, southern France on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP They also dispute the government's claim that the pay-as-you-go pension system faces impending deficits, arguing that modest increases in contributions may prevent this from happening. The unions have the support of both the Socialists and Greens as well as the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) political party, which wants to cut the retirement age to 60. In addition to opposing the reform, Marine Le Pen's far-right party is also troubled by proposals to impose rolling strikes in France. A host of left-wing scholars have also voiced disapproval, particularly famous economist Thomas Piketty, who views Macron as strengthening his reputation as "the president of the rich," as per AFP reports. How do the strikes affect Macron? During his first term, Macron attempted to advance pension reform but was unsuccessful. In April, during his re-election campaign, Macron brought up the subject once more. Running on a similar pro-business platform, he beat Le Pen by promising to reduce unemployment and force the French to "work harder" in order to pay for the nation's social security system. Political experts disagree, though, and Macron himself conceded in his victory speech that many people had supported him just to protect Le Pen from winning the presidency. CGT unionists take part in a demonstration on the Vieux Port (Old Harbour) in Marseille on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP The 45-year-old has moved forward despite concerns from allies about the timing of the change so soon after the COVID-19 outbreak and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. "For Emmanuel Macron, pulling back would be an abdication," senior right-wing senator Bruno Retailleau, who supports the reform, told AFP. "If he pulled back, he couldn't reform anymore, his term would be over," he added. Are these protests common in France? Since reforms occur in France without opposition, the administration is bracing itself for a rough road since the onset of the protests. The labour movement's accomplishments over the past century are viewed by left-wingers as being under attack whenever there is an attempt to limit workers' rights, whether it be through reduced working hours, generous pensions, or protected employment contracts. The 2010 demonstrations, when right-wing president Nicolas Sarkozy increased the retirement age from 60 to 62, may end up being eclipsed by the current ones. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media. 🤬🇫🇷 Police throw TEAR GAS at protesters as they block highways and trucks all across France, just the beginning of full-scale demonstrations in country expected today, March 7, over government’s pension reform. pic.twitter.com/4MYdxZLzNq — Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) March 7, 2023 × They surpass those of 1995, when the government was compelled to do the infamous U-turn on pensions, and are also larger. The emergence of working from home and modern technologies has lessened interruptions, so the impact of Tuesday's stoppages is different. What to expect next? The government's plan is simple: push the law through parliament as quickly as possible and win approval by the middle of this month, or at the latest by March 26, as examined by AFP. Macron's centrist party does not currently hold a majority in the National Assembly, but it should be able to rely on support from the right-wing Republican party to gain the required majorities in both houses. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: It is Macron vs. labour unions, what could be the implications of these strikes for France?

In pics | French police fire tear gas at Paris pension reform protests; unions to keep up the momentum

Rail services were shut down, schools disrupted and refinery deliveries halted as trade unions launched the third round of nationwide strikes against President Emmanuel Macron and his highly unpopular pension reform plan on Tuesday.

Rail services were shut down, schools disrupted and refinery deliveries halted as trade unions launched the third round of nationwide strikes against President Emmanuel Macron and his highly unpopular pension reform plan on Tuesday. The strikes come a day after debates began in the parliament on the passing of the legislation. According to local reports, workers across multiple sectors walked out as unions persuaded them to take to the streets and send a strong message to the government. WATCH | WION Fineprint: French pension reforms face backlash × Despite the resistance, the Macron government has remained steadfast that it will pass the legislation, having failed to do so on previous occasions. Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt on Monday said, "I know this reform is difficult but I know that undertaking it is showing the courage others have lacked." Addressing the parliament last month, Dussopt also added that giving up on the legislation at this time 'would be giving up on getting the system back in balance'. Read more: French government refuses to back down on pension reform The Macron government, through its proposed legislation, is attempting to raise the legal retirement age in the country to 64, from the current 62. The government is of the view that extending the pension age will prevent the system from collapsing under the weight of deficits. Notably, the workers in France tend to retire much earlier than their European Union (EU) counterparts. The direct repercussion is that the French exchequer has to foot a bigger pension bill than most countries in the bloc. In January, taking a stern approach, Macron said he will get the reform bill passed in this year only. “This year will indeed be that of a pension reform that aims to guarantee the equilibrium of our system in the years and decades to come,” he said in a televised address. Read more: Macron government announces pension reforms amid strike threat by trade unions Since coming to power in 2017, fixing France's complicated pension has been one of the top agendas of the Macron administration. However, given the scale of demonstrations, the Macron administration may have to reel back in its aggressiveness. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Third round of nationwide strikes underway against Macron's 'unpopular' pension reform plan

Thousands of demonstrators, most of them unionists, filled Paris' streets on Wednesday (January 29) in protest of the French government's planned pensions overhaul, claiming the movement has fallen to President Emmanuel Macron's deaf ears.

Thousands march in Paris against pension reform as support for movement stays strong