– are aimed at unifying the country's 42 different pension regimes into a single one, which would abolish special provisions allowing certain workers to retire as early as in their 50s. They would also keep the system financially viable.

EIFFEL TOWER PUTS UP 'MONUMENT CLOSED' SIGN AS PROTESTS CONTINUE IN PARIS

The French government on Wednesday didn't rule out potential changes to its plan to delay the age of retirement on full pension by two years, from 62 to 64. That proposal has been the main cause of discontent.

Recent polls show a majority of the French support the strikes and protests against the new system, which they fear will make them work longer in return for lower pensions.

“We must find a compromise,” Macron's aide told the Associated Press.

The government wantsa “pause” in transport strikes during Christmas holidays, but expects new street protests at the beginning of next year “because this is the normal course of things, ” he added.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is set to hold negotiations later today with unions and employers' organizations on potential amendments to the reform package.

FRANCE PROPOSES TO RAISE RETIREMENT AGE

The government plans to formally present the pension bill in January. The text will then need to be approved by parliament, where Macron’s party has the majority.

Macron himself is not planning to get involved in the negotiations nor to make any announcement in the coming days.

On Wednesday, he appointed a junior minister for pensions, Laurent Pietraszewski, a 53-year-old lawmaker with expertise on the issue.

The nomination comes after the senior politician who had