France: No cuts for pension below €2,000 in 2019

By Yusuf Ozcan

PARIS

France will increase the minimum wage by €100 ($114) and not cut back pension below €2,000 ($2,285) following by the Cabinet on Wednesday, the government spokesman said.

Benjamin Griveaux said the Yellow Vests' demands were approved by the Cabinet.

Also, France will not collect tax on overtime pay.

He said the move will benefit 5 million citizens.

The spokesman added that French officials will discuss the economic situation from Jan.-March and take fresh decisions before mid-April.

Since Nov. 17, thousands of protesters wearing bright yellow vests have gathered in major French cities, including the capital Paris, to protest French President Emmanuel Macron's controversial fuel tax hikes and the deteriorating economic situation.

The demonstrators, who generally live in rural areas due to high rents in the cities, have called on Macron to cut fuel taxes and ease their economic difficulties.

During demonstrations, at least eight people have been killed and more than a thousand others wounded.

Under pressure from the protests, Macron announced a in the minimum wage and also scuttled controversial fuel tax hikes.