In a risky move, Emmanuel Macron opted to push through the French Parliament a controversial bill that would see the retirement age rise from 62 to 64.

The president triggered a special constitutional power just before the vote in National Assembly; the country’s lower house of parliament, because the government had no guarantee it would pass.

As politicians gathered for the vote, some sang the national anthem, preventing the prime minister to speak, and prompting the speaker to suspend the session.

Earlier, the Senate adopted the bill, which was expected since the conservative majority of the upper house of parliament favours raising the age.

Pension changes are key to Macron’s second term but they’ve prompted major strikes and protests across the country since the start of the year.