French PM says pension age hike 'non-negotiable' as strikes loom

1 Oct 01:03 Key points summarised by AI

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne declared the proposed increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64 "non-negotiable," despite widespread public opposition.
This reform is a key initiative by President Emmanuel Macron designed to secure the long-term financing of France's pension system.
Eight major unions, unified against the "unfair" 64-year rule, are preparing for another day of mass protests and strikes across France, aiming for even larger mobilization than previous rallies.
While the government signaled willingness to negotiate on specific provisions for certain groups, the core retirement age hike remains firm, a point of contention for unions.
Widespread disruptions are anticipated in public transport, schools, and administrations due to the planned strikes, marking a critical test for both the unions' momentum and the government's ability to pass the reform.

China-funded Confucius Institutes deemed US national security threat: Hegseth

Today 08:48 Key points summarised by AI

The US Department of Defense officially designated China-funded Confucius Institutes as a threat to national security, citing their role as Chinese Communist Party propaganda tools.
Despite previous shutdowns, these organizations reappeared under new names across 30 universities, aiming to steal intellectual property and influence American students, but have since been dismantled by the Defense Department.