Episode

France’s Battle Over Retirement
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21:20
Published: Thu Mar 16 2023
Description

This episode contains strong languageMillions of people have taken to the streets in France to protest a government effort to raise the retirement age to 64, from 62, bringing the country more in line with its European neighbors.Today, as Parliament holds a key vote on the proposal, we look into why the issue has hit such a nerve in French society.Guest: Roger Cohen, the Paris bureau chief for The New York Times.Background reading: After large protests, all eyes were on the French Parliament on Thursday as it prepared to vote on the measure to increase the retirement age by two years.Here are some of the reasons so many people in France are protesting the proposals.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Chapters
French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to raise the retirement age has led to widespread protests in France.
00:00 - 02:29 (02:29)
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Retirement Age, France
Summary

French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal to raise the retirement age has led to widespread protests in France. Paris bureau chief Roger Cohen explains why the issue is so contentious and why the government is pushing for the change.

Episode
France’s Battle Over Retirement
Podcast
The Daily
The French have a deeply rooted belief that retirement is a time to relax after years of hard work, which differs from the American view that work enriches life.
02:29 - 11:07 (08:38)
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Retirement
Summary

The French have a deeply rooted belief that retirement is a time to relax after years of hard work, which differs from the American view that work enriches life. While President Macron was once focused on reducing government spending, he switched to spending without limits in response to the COVID crisis.

Episode
France’s Battle Over Retirement
Podcast
The Daily
Macron aims to prevent the far-right party from coming to power and becoming the last president before they do.
11:07 - 19:54 (08:47)
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Macron, France
Summary

Macron aims to prevent the far-right party from coming to power and becoming the last president before they do. His determination to transition France to a green economy and increase the defense budget reflects his stance on being prepared for any potential aggressive leader towards Western Europe in the future.

Episode
France’s Battle Over Retirement
Podcast
The Daily
Credit Suisse takes an emergency loan of up to 50 billion Swiss francs from the Swiss central bank to stabilize its financial health after investors sold off the bank's stock over concerns about its stability.
19:54 - 21:12 (01:18)
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Credit Suisse
Summary

Credit Suisse takes an emergency loan of up to 50 billion Swiss francs from the Swiss central bank to stabilize its financial health after investors sold off the bank's stock over concerns about its stability.

Episode
France’s Battle Over Retirement
Podcast
The Daily