December 2019

23Dec

Colombia’s Pension Reform Hampered By Political Tension

According to a new report by Colombia Risk Analysis, the debate underway over pension reform in Colombia is plagued with misinformation and confusion resulting from the current divisive political climate in the country, and conflicting objectives by various political actors. Current protests and strikes over a myriad of grievances have partially paralyzed the country literally and figuratively. The current administration of President Ivan Duque enjoys only a 26% approval rating according to recent polls and thus lacks political capital...

December 23, 2019
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20Dec

Government-union pension talks fail in France, strikes to continue

The French government and labor unions ended talks on pension reform on Thursday afternoon without reaching a deal to break the deadlock. Philippe Martinez, leader of the hardline CGT union, told the press after the talks that "the prime minister hasn't heard what the street is saying." Five out of the eight unions called for further actions and a cross-sector demonstrations on Jan. 9, he added. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said new roundtable discussions will be held on the...

December 20, 2019
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18Dec

French government names new pensions boss

The French government has appointed Laurent Pietraszewski to replace former high commissioner on pensions, Jean-Paul Delevoye, who resigned on Monday following a conflict of interest scandal. Pietraszewski, a member of parliament from France’s Nord (North) department and spokesman for the ruling Republic on the Move group in the National Assembly, was named secretary of state to the ministry of social security and health, in charge of pensions, according to a decree published early Wednesday by the government. The new...

December 18, 2019
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17Dec

Macron’s ‘Mister Pensions’ resigns amid transparency scandal as strikes continue

As massive strikes over pension reform in France continue for a 12th day – with unions livid, for one, that workers under the revamp would have to work until age 64 to retire without penalty – one key player is already out of a job: The father of the reform, Jean-Paul Delevoye, stepped down Monday under the glare of a transparency scandal. Delevoye, the High Commissioner for Pensions, handed in his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who accepted...

December 17, 2019
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16Dec

French business activity stable in Dec despite pension strike – PMI

French business grew at a steady pace in December despite a nationwide strike against pension reform, although activity in the manufacturing sector came unexpectedly close to stagnating, a survey showed on Monday. Data compiler IHS Markit said that its preliminary monthly purchasing managers index fell marginally to 52.0 from 52.1 in November, in line with economists' expectations in a Reuters poll. Though a three-month low, the result was comfortably above the 50-point level demarcating expansions in activity from contractions....

December 16, 2019
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13Dec

French union mounts pressure on gov’t with “no Christmas break” strike

The General Confederation of Labor (CGT), France's largest union in the public sector, planned rolling strikes in transport sector during Christmas holidays, mounting pressure on the government to reconsider a pension reform, a union official announced on Thursday. "No Christmas break unless the government comes to its senses," Laurent Brun, head of CGT's railway branch, told France info radio. "The strike continues until we are assured that the current system is maintained and negotiations are underway to improve it," he added. Brun...

December 13, 2019
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11Dec

French PM warns of long pensions standoff in face of new protests

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe warned ruling party lawmakers Tuesday (Dec 10) to brace for a long battle over the government's pension reforms, as tens of thousands took to the streets to back a transport strike that has caused six days of travel misery. The industrial action, which has paralysed public transport in Paris and severely disrupted national rail services, is the biggest show of union force since President Emmanuel Macron came to power in 2017 vowing to cut...

December 11, 2019
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10Dec

With France in Uproar Over Pensions, Macron May Need One Early

By Adam Nossiter With his country in turmoil, more chaos looming and no resolution in sight, President Emmanuel Macron of France tried changing the subject. Last Thursday, nearly a million people had taken to the streets to protest his plan to remake France’s uniquely generous pension system. But a day later, Mr. Macron, instead of addressing what was on everyone’s minds — how to get out of the standoff, which has stranded thousands of commuters — delivered a lyrical tribute far...

December 10, 2019
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09Dec

France pensions overhaul to go ahead despite huge protests

The French government has vowed to press ahead with its overhaul of the pensions system despite a hardening nationwide strike that will keep transport at a standstill next week amid another round of planned massive street protests. Four days after at least 800,000 people took part in one of the biggest demonstrations of trade union strength in a decade on Thursday, transport remained virtually at a halt over the weekend as the president, Emmanuel Macron, held talks with ministers...

December 9, 2019
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06Dec

A Look at France’s Heated Debate Over Pensions

The planned overhaul of the French pensions system aims to streamline a complicated patchwork of provisions, but workers argue it will require them to work longer and will reduce their income. The heated debate over the changes to the retirement system are laid bare in the nationwide strike and protests taking place Thursday. The popular discontent will test the resolve of the government of President Emmanuel Macron, who says it remains determined to pass the reform next year. Here's a look at...

December 6, 2019
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