Please excuse the French for believing they lived in a free country and not some Russian gulag—obviously, they were mistaken.  For the first time since France became civilized, its workers are expected to work until age 62. 

Fun fact: since 1983, Frenchies have been able to retire at the youthful age of 60! ( They also work 35 hours per week).  This is due to the French economy's need for large numbers of pensioners to have time to write existentialist, world-weary memoirs.  Yes, there's a "$40 billion in the pension program alone this year."  But, counterpoint: French people don't want to work more. 

"Today is a day of sadness and anger," agreed Jean-Luc Melanchon, who heads the Left Party. " The end of retirement at 60 is the end of a world." 

The world of laziness. 

[WP.  Pic of French stereotype via]