PARIS (AP) French President Emmanuel Macrons unpopular plan to raise Frances retirement age from 62 to 64 was enacted into law Saturday, the day after the countrys constitutional body approved the change.

Macrons signature and publication in the Official Journal of the French Republic allowed the law to enter into force. The authorized changes will start being implemented in September, French government spokesperson Olivier Veran said.

On Friday, the Constitutional Council rejected some parts of the governments pension legislation but approved the higher minimum retirement age, which was central to Macrons plan and the focus of opponents protests.

The nine-member councils decision capped months of tumultuous debates in parliament and fervor in the streets. Spontaneous demonstrations took place in Paris and across the country after the ruling.

Frances main labor unions, which organized 12 nationwide protests since January in hopes of defeating the plan, have vowed to continue fighting until it is withdrawn. They called for another mass protest on May 1, which is International Workers Day.