FRANCE’S RETIREMENT AGE HIKE LAW FORCED THROUGH

President Emmanuel Macron, worried that France’s parliament would not approve a fiercely contested bill raising the retirement age to 64 from 62, opted to ram the legislation through Thursday without a full parliamentary vote, a decision certain to inflame an already tense confrontation over the measure.

After three meetings Thursday with Macron and a last-minute discussion with her Cabinet, Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne informed the National Assembly, or lower house, of the government’s decision. She was met by heckling, booing and vociferous chanting of the “Marseillaise,” France’s national anthem, and had to wait several minutes before being able to speak.

“We cannot gamble on the future of our pensions,” Borne told lawmakers. “The reform is necessary.”

Earlier, Macron told government ministers, “My interest would have been to go to a vote,” according to the Élysée Palace, “but I consider that at the present time, the financial and economic risks are too great.” He added, “One cannot play with the future of the country.”

The Senate, or upper house, approved the bill early Thursday.

The fury of opposition lawmakers echoed the anger of citizens and employee unions. Thousands gathered at the Place de la Concorde facing the National Assembly. As night fell, police charged against the demonstrators in waves to clear the Place, but hundreds remained nearly an hour later.

The unions that have organized strikes and marches since January, leaving Paris reeking in piles of garbage, announced new rallies and marches in protest. “This retirement reform is brutal, unjust, unjustified for the world of workers,” they declared.

Opposition lawmakers demanded the government step down. Marine Le Pen said her far-right National Rally party would file a noconfidence motion, and Communist lawmaker Fabien Roussel said such a motion is “ready” on the left.

A no-confidence motion, expected early next week, needs approval by more than half the Assembly. If it passes the government would have to resign. Macron could reappoint Borne if he chooses, and a new Cabinet would be named.

If no-confidence motions don’t succeed, the pension bill would be considered adopted.