Sarkozy defies French pensions protestors

French President Nicolas Sarkozy remained defiant yesterday after massive street protests against his plan to raise the retirement age from 60, vowing to push on with an “essential” reform.

Opponents reacted angrily, with the opposition Socialists branding him a liar and unions warning of further action after Tuesday’s strike disrupted transport, shut schools and brought more than a million into the streets.

“The main element of this reform is a new retirement age. This age will be gradually raised to reach 62 in 2018,” Mr Sarkozy said in a statement. “There is no question of backtracking on this point.”