FRENCH Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne was due to unveil a highly sensitive pension overhaul today aimed at pushing up the retirement age that has already prompted vigorous criticism and calls for protests from leftist opponents and worker unions.

The minimum retirement age to be entitled to a full pension is expected to be gradually increased from 62 to 64 or 65, in line with a longstanding pledge by President Emmanuel Macron. Details are to be released by Ms Borne at a news conference.

The government argues that French people live longer than they used to and therefore need to work longer to make the pension system financially sustainable. All French workers receive a state pension.

The unions have unanimously expressed their disapproval of the proposed changes after talks with Ms Borne last week.

Some are in favour of an increase in payroll contributions paid by employers instead.

The country’s eight main worker unions were gathering today to set the date of a first protest day against the pension changes.

A heated debate at parliament was also to be expected.