On video: stormy demonstrations in Paris in protest of the retirement law (Reuters)
The council is expected to announce later whether it has approved the changes that President Macron is demanding, after Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne demanded her decision on the matter.
The government hopes that the council's decision will put an end to months of stormy demonstrations across France against Macron and the reform.
If the council approves the legislation, the way will be paved for its becoming a law that will enter into force at the end of the summer.
Protesters blocked roads and industrial plants in several parts of France today (Friday), ahead of the Constitutional Court's decision regarding President Emmanuel Macron's retirement reform, which, if approved, will raise the pension age in France from 62 to 64.
Access to the city centers of Marseille and Rouen was also blocked, and an industrial site in Le Havre and others near Strasbourg and Lille were also closed.
In Paris, riot police are on standby near the building of the Constitutional Council, a nine-member body tasked with determining whether legislation complies with the constitution.
All demonstrations in the area were banned, several metro stations were locked and security screens a few meters high were placed in place.
The council is expected to announce later whether it has approved the changes that President Macron is demanding, after Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne demanded her decision on the matter.
The government hopes that the council's decision will put an end to months of stormy demonstrations across France against Macron and the reform.
If the council approves the legislation, the way will be paved for its becoming a law that will come into effect at the end of the summer.
Demonstrations against the reform (Photo: Reuters)
Demonstrations in the center of Paris after the publication of the election results, April 23, 2017 (Photo: Reuters)
Demonstrations outside the Louvre (Photo: Reuters)
According to estimates, the council will not completely cancel Macron's reform, but only some sections that are supposed to encourage employment among older workers, on the basis that they do not belong to the legislation.
However, raising the retirement age to 64 will probably be approved.
If the legislation is not approved, it will be a severe blow to Macron and his government.
The council will also rule on a request by politicians from the left regarding a citizens' referendum regarding the pension plan.
If approved, the opposition parties will have to collect 5 million signatures in order to hold a referendum.
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