Popular Pushback Against Pension Proposal rocks France

Paris: Since 19 January 2023, France has seen a general strike and accompanying demonstrations, in protest of the government’s proposed pension reforms. The reforms would raise the standard retirement age from 62 to 64 years. The proposal has generated a great deal of anger and opposition from the working class of France from across the country.

Since it started lakhs of people have taken part in the demonstration in different parts of France. These demonstrations have been organized by a coalition of trade unions, including eight of the largest groups, and are supported by the majority of people in France, despite the inconveniences caused by the strike. The unions have vowed to continue the strikes and protests in a bid to persuade the government to abandon the reforms.

The protests have been mostly peaceful, though there have been some reports of clashes between police and a small number of protesters. Despite the large turnout, Macron has remained determined in his plans to go ahead with the pension reforms.

The demonstrations are ongoing with millions of people taking part in protests across the country, causing widespread disruption to transport, schools, and public services. The General Confederation of Labour (CGT), one of the largest trade union confederation has estimated that 28 lakh people have taken part in the protests.