For weeks, the pension reform has been driving people in France onto the streets. Macron’s statements have not calmed the waves. Up to 800,000 demonstrators are expected across the country today.
A new round of strikes and protests against pension reforms began in France on Thursday. Despite an attempt at appeasement by President Emmanuel Macron, thousands took to the streets in various cities. Access to universities and high schools was blocked and oil depots blocked. According to broadcaster BFMTV, 15 percent of gas stations in France are now missing at least one fuel. Trains and flights were canceled again. The authorities expected up to 800,000 demonstrators across the country during the day.
The protests are directed against the gradual increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64 and the government’s actions. 12,000 police officers and gendarmes are on duty. It is feared that there will be more riots. While the days of strikes and protests were mostly peaceful for weeks, violence has increased in recent days.
The middle government wants to close an impending gap in the pension fund by raising the entry age. The dispute escalated a week ago because Macron pushed the text through the National Assembly without a vote. Two motions of no confidence in the government failed on Monday evening. The reform has thus been passed. It is now before the Constitutional Council for review.
The retirement age in France is currently 62. In fact, retirement begins later on average: those who have not paid in long enough to receive a full pension work longer. At the age of 67 there is then a pension without a deduction, regardless of how long it has been paid in – the government wants to keep this, even if the number of years of contributions required for a full pension is to increase more quickly. She wants to increase the monthly minimum pension to around 1,200 euros.
Source: Stern
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