France’s eight largest trade unions have called protests against raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. Pension reform is one of Macron’s key campaign promises.
In France, mass protests and strikes began against the government’s pension reform plan and a two-year increase in the retirement age. On Thursday, January 19, many elementary schools closed, public and legal television and radio companies abandoned their regular music programs and broadcasts, and rail and city transportation were severely limited. Many flights were canceled at Paris airports.
EDF employees have reduced electricity production slightly. According to media reports, from 70 to 100 percent of oil refineries workers of the TotalEnergies concern are participating in the strike. Already in the first half of the day, demonstrations began in Nice, Marseille, Toulouse and other cities. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take part in protests in more than 200 cities.
“It will be a strong day of protests,” Philippe Martin, head of the CGT union, told the Public Sénat. According to him, it is a rare situation when all trade unions are called for protests, which indicates the seriousness of the problem. In turn, the head of the CFDT trade union, Laurent Berger, pointed out that many people who normally do not take to the streets are participating in the action. Eight major trade unions have called for a national protest.
Pension reform is one of Macron’s main campaign promises
By reforming the pension system, President Emmanuel Macron is fulfilling one of his key campaign promises. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Born on January 10 outlined the main directions of the pension reform, centered on increasing the retirement age from 62 to 64 years. The minimum term for employee contributions to the pension fund is planned to increase to 43 years, and the amount of the minimum pension will increase to 1,200 euros per month.
The goal of the reforms is to ensure a balanced pension system by 2030. Bourne said it would be “irresponsible” to allow current deficits to continue to grow. According to government forecasts, the lack of funds in France’s pension fund at that time could be around 20 billion euros.
Trade unions consider the government’s plans unreasonably harsh. Such a move would “deal a heavy blow to all working” French people, they warned. Trade unions predict that the planned changes will be particularly painful for those who entered the workforce early and that life expectancy is lower than the average French. Plans for a pension reform are also criticized by supporters of the right-wing populist National Association party and left-wing politicians.
Macron has already tried to reform in 2019
Next week the bill will be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers, then its discussion will begin in the National Assembly. If the pension reform fails to win a majority in parliament, the prime minister can invoke paragraph 49.3 of the constitution, which allows the law to be passed without a vote if the government does not pass a vote of no confidence.
In 2019, Macron tried to simplify the French pension system and raise the retirement age. It led to the longest wave of protests since the student riots of 1968, after which the project was frozen amid the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Source: DW
It was previously reported that in Switzerland the retirement age for women will be raised to 65 years.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.