French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed pension reform survived opposition attempts to block the repeal bill following the National Assembly’s vote on Thursday. The controversial reform, which seeks to replace the current 42 pension schemes with a single, universal points-based system, has sparked widespread protests and strikes across the country.

Opponents of the reform failed in their latest effort to maintain the retirement age at 62, as a repeal bill was not passed. The vote took place in the National Assembly, where the ruling party has a majority. Opposition parties, including the center-right Republicans and the left-wing La France Insoumise, had hoped to rally enough support to block the reform. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and the government prevailed with a comfortable margin.

The opposition parties and labor unions have denounced the reforms, calling them a betrayal of workers’ rights and a threat to the social safety net. They vowed to continue their protests and strikes, which have disrupted transportation, education, and other public services.

Meanwhile, Mathilde Panot, the president of the parliamentary caucus of La France Insoumise, announced that she will present a new motion of no confidence against the government headed by President Emmanuel Macron. The motion comes amid continued protests and strikes over the government’s proposed reforms.

As protests and strikes continue, it remains to be seen whether Macron’s government will be able to implement its reforms and also address the concerns of workers and other stakeholders.