PARIS -- Six weeks ago, his strong opposition to the war in Iraq won French President Jacques Chirac overwhelming support in the polls. Today he has been forced to turn away from the international scene and face a rapidly developing social crisis centered on pension and education reforms.
France's age of retirement, at 60, is one of the lowest in the world. Moreover, many people manage to retire sooner, sometimes at 55, and many firms encourage their senior employees to accept early retirement schemes.
As in most European countries, France's pensions are entirely financed by compulsory wage deductions. Due to a steep decline in fertility rates, these contributions will have to be greatly increased if the status quo for benefits is to be maintained. By 2010 there will be only one worker for each retiree.