"We have to move forward: it is in the best interests of the nation."

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, goes straight on the pension reform that moves the retirement age from 62 to 64, which became law two days ago.

The reform, he said in an interview live on TF1 and France 2, "will continue its democratic path" because the motion of censure (no confidence) against the government has "failed" . Now "we have to wait for the pronouncement of the constitutional council".

There was no lack of jab at the unions: "When the unions demonstrate, they have their legitimacy, when they organize marches, let them do so, they are against this reform, I respect them - he added - but I do not accept violence when one is unhappy with something".

«We are a great nation and an ancient people - Macron said - which can equip itself with leaders who have political legitimacy. President of the Republic, parliamentarians… are elected by the people. The trade unions are legitimate but it is not acceptable for groups to use extreme violence to attack, as in these days, mayors and representatives of the Republic who are in favor of reform. It is unacceptable that they use unregulated violence because they are unhappy with something."

(Unioneonline/D)