France: green light from the Senate to pension reform

(ANSA) - PARIS, MARCH 16 - Green light from the French Senate on the compromise text on pension reform, before the last and unpredictable vote of the National Assembly.

In the right-wing Senate in Paris, the disputed reform which provides for the progressive raising of the retirement age from 62 to 64 was approved with 193 votes in favor and 114 against, at the end of a session of one hour and forty-five.

   As widely expected, Républicains and centrists lined up in support of the Macronist majority but 6 Republican senators voted against and 7 centrists too.

Nineteen Républicains senators abstained as did 13 centrists.

   The ball now passes to the National Assembly. The moment of truth is set for 3 pm, when what has been dubbed 'the mother of all reforms' will be presented to deputies for a vote.

On paper, the Macronians do not have an absolute majority, but the support of the Républicains of the moderate right.

In whose ranks, however, there are several snipers who will not vote for it.

A crucial challenge for the rest of Emmanuel Macron's five-year term.

After a first meeting this morning, the president decided to convene the leaders of the presidential camp for a second time, at noon, to take stock of the situation and decide what to do.

(HANDLE).