We are having the same issues here in the states with SS. People are fighting tooth and nail to keep it but it was never supposed to be a retirement plan for people, certainly when it started in the 40's with a withdrawl age far older than the average life span. Now people are using it like a retirement plan, of course people are going to be upset when others say they can't have it. It's like an Indian giver, giving something to someone to then immediately take it back. The French, and most of Europe, have very light work loads and better benefits and asking someone to give parts of that up will be met with resistance. The fact the French are resisting as much as they are for as petty an increase as they have is about the most pathetic thing I have seen of that nation.