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The French Senate gave a final vote of approval on Friday to the controversial pension reform bill that has caused a series of nationwide strikes and protest marches.

339 Senators voted 177 for and 153 against the legislation to raise the retirement age, after the government used a special measure to speed the voting process, foreign media reported.

The law to make French people work two more years for their pensions has been one of the most fiercely contested reforms among austerity measures being taken across Europe.

The Senate approval means it should pass quickly into law following signatures from a joint parliamentary council and a constitutional council on the final text.

The pension bill raises the minimum retirement age to 62 from 60 and the age for a full pension to 67 from 65.
France pension reforms have led to a series of nationwide strikes, fuel blockades and riots after Unions called employees to fight for their rights.

The government hopes protests will now start to fade away.
Even with the reform, France will still have one of the lowest minimum retirement ages in Europe.