November 2007 strikes in France retire with full pension benefits after 37.5 years rather than 40 years. The Sarkozy administration claims the current pension system allows some public sector workers to retire as early as age 50. The government calculated the cost of these early-retirement benefits at $7 billion a year. President Nicolas Sarkozy felt that his victory in the 2007 presidential election gave him a mandate to carry out labour reforms, stating "I said before I was elected what I would do," and "we will do these reforms because they have to be done." He declared the strikes a test of political will. "I
2007–08 Coupe de France 2007–08 Coupe de France The 2007–2008 Coupe de France was the 91st edition of the prestigious tournament and is open to all clubs in French football, as well as the 4 overseas departments if they qualify. The defending champions were FC Sochaux-Montbéliard who defeated Olympique Marseille 5-4 on penalties to claim their 2nd Coupe de France trophy. The final was held on May 24, 2008 at the Stade de France. The 2008 Coupe de France champions are Olympique Lyonnais, who defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to claim their 4th Coupe de France trophy. Note: Cup results officially began at the start