Not shy and not retiring: pension reform in France
The Intelligence from The Economist
The Economist
4.5 • 3.7K Ratings
🗓️ 22 March 2023
⏱️ 26 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Emmanuel Macron narrowly survived two no-confidence votes, sparked by his pushing a pension-reform package through the legislature without bringing it up for a vote. But his troubles are far from over. Covid and the war in Ukraine exacerbated Russia’s long-standing demographic woes. And we analyse the artistry of the world’s greatest mime, born 100 years ago today.
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | Hello and welcome to the Intelligence from the Economist. |
| 0:07.4 | In New York, I'm John Fassman. |
| 0:10.4 | Every weekday we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world. |
| 0:18.4 | Most post-communist countries have seen population declines, but none as severe as Russia's. |
| 0:24.0 | COVID in the Ukraine war have exacerbated a longstanding problem. |
| 0:28.2 | In 50 years time, Russia may have 25 million fewer people than it has today. |
| 0:35.7 | And you may think that covering a silent art in an audio format like a podcast isn't |
| 0:40.4 | exercising absurdity. |
| 0:42.4 | But the world's greatest ever mind, Marcel Marso, was born a hundred years ago today. |
| 0:48.2 | We look back at what made him such a remarkable artist. |
| 0:56.0 | What's up though? |
| 1:04.0 | Later today, the French President, Emmanuel Macron, will be interviewed on national television |
| 1:09.5 | in an effort to appease widespread and persistent anger. |
| 1:15.5 | There have been protests in Paris, Leon, Bordeaux, |
| 1:24.0 | and the French President. |
| 1:27.0 | They've taken to the street an anger at Mr. Macron's pension reform that pushes the age |
| 1:31.1 | of retirement from 62 to 64. |
| 1:34.8 | His fellow politicians aren't happy either. |
| 1:37.6 | Mr. Macron used a constitutional provision to push his plans through the National Assembly, |
| 1:42.6 | without putting them to a vote. |
| 1:45.1 | This week his government survived not one, but two, no confidence votes. |
| 1:50.3 | But just barely. |
... |
Please login to see the full transcript.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from The Economist, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.
Generated transcripts are the property of The Economist and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.