France, March 9 -- France's Senate voted to raise the retirement age by two years to 64 as widespread strikes against the government's controversial overhaul of the pensions system carried into Thursday.

The predominantly right-wing upper house voted by 201 votes to 115 in favour of the decisive article that increases the legal age of retirement by two years.

Liberal politicians voiced anger following the vote.

"Your name will forever be attached to a reform that will set the clock back almost 40 years," Socialist senator Monique Lubin told Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt.

The government insists that raising the retirement age and stiffening the requirements for a full pension are essential if France is to prevent the system from plun...