Workers in Portugal, Spain or Germany would very much like to be fighting for the retirement age that the French Government is trying to approve against the biggest wave of protests in the last 30 years. Reaching retirement age at 64, as long as the discount period covers 43, is an aspiration that most Europeans cannot reach — the retirement age is 66 years and four months in Portugal and 67 in Germany or Italy. But no comparison shakes the conscience of the French exception in terms of social rights. For good and for bad.
PÚBLICO’s contribution to the country’s democratic and civic life lies in the strength of the relationship it establishes with its readers.To continue reading this article, subscribe to PÚBLICO.Call us on 808 200 095 or send us an email for subscription [email protected]