French govt survives no-confidence vote, pension reform bill adopted

Two no-confidence motions against the French government failed to gain a majority in the National Assembly, allowing the unpopular pension reform bill to be enacted without a vote. The centrist opposition group LIOT’s motion received 278 votes, nine short of the required 287, while the far-right National Rally party’s motion received only 94 votes. The General Confederation of Labor has called for protests and rolling strikes on March 23, and tensions have risen across France with police dispersing demonstrations in Paris and Lille with tear gas. The pension reform bill will raise the legal retirement age and introduce a guaranteed minimum pension.

Sources: CGTN