Tension in France over Pension Bill

French President Emmanuel Macron on March 16 opted to push through a bill that would raise the retirement age by triggering a special constitutional power.

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By shunning the government for the hugely unpopular bill, Macron’s government is expected to trigger a quick no-confidence motion against him.

The decision was made just a few minutes before the vote was scheduled, because the government had no guarantee that the bill would command a majority at the National Assembly, France’s lower house of parliament.

The bill is the flagship legislation of Macron's second term. The unpopular plan has prompted major strikes and protests across the country since January.