French President Emmanuel Macron Saturday enacted the controversial pension reform bill that raises the retirement age from 62 to 64. The Constitutional Council of France Friday validated most of President Macron’s proposals. The council did not accept every proposal in the bill because some were not in line with the French Constitution but agreed to raise the retirement age and alter some pension regimes. Other proposals such as calls to employ more senior workers were also unpopular in the council.

Along with the contents of the proposals, the way in which Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and members of the government utilised article 49.3 helped Macron avoid Parliament from “holding back” the pension reform as it can be passed without a vote. The Council did not allow the opposition to hold a referendum.

However, the pension reform is deemed a success for Macron who said that he would be continually committed to push forward with his pension reform but is willing to have future discussions with trade unions to avoid more demonstrations.