France's Le Pen presses for referendum on controversial pension reforms

PARIS

Prominent far-right French leader Marine Le Pen on Monday urged that controversial government pension reform plans should face a referendum, local media reported.

Le Pen, the parliamentary group leader of the National Rally, told reporters a referendum should be held to let the French public weigh in on the plans, according to TV5.

"We will use all our means so that this project is not voted on as it is," said Le Pen, who lost to Emmanuel Macron in France’s last presidential race, in 2022.

Her party’s parliamentary group will in no way vote in favor the proposal unless the raise in the retirement age is withdrawn, she added.

The reforms, which would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 in 2030, immediately triggered outrage from workers and unions when the government announced the proposal last year.

Starting in 2027, the change would also require at least 43 years of work to be eligible for full pensions, she said.

The minimum pension would also rise to 85% of the minimum wage, meaning around €1,200 ($1,288) per month, according to the government.

The French National Assembly started to debate the project on Monday.

*Writing by Nur Asena Erturk in Ankara