France in Turmoil as Thousands Protest Pension Overhaul
France is in the midst of political unrest as thousands of citizens protest against President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform plans.
The government’s decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 years old has been met with fierce opposition, with protestors taking to the streets in major cities across the country.
The protests have turned violent, with clashes between protestors and police leading to tear gas and water cannons being used by law enforcement.
The French national anthem has been heard throughout the protests, as opposition members try to shut down Parliament and challenge the government’s decision-making process.
Millions of French workers, including teachers, police officers, and refinery workers, have joined the strike, and garbage collectors have also walked off the job.
This has led to more than six thousand tons of waste piling up on the streets of Paris, with the civil aviation authority asking airlines to reduce flights from Orly Airport by 20 percent to accommodate the disruptions.
A recent poll by AFP found that a majority of French citizens support the protest movement against pension reform, with 59 percent in favor of bringing the country to a standstill to oppose the government’s plans.
Despite the protests, Macron and Prime Minister Elizabeth Born remain firm in their stance, insisting that the pension reforms are necessary to prevent the system from collapsing and to support future generations.
The opposition now has 24 hours to put forward a vote of no confidence, which, if passed, could bring down not only Macron’s government but also the president himself.
The protests are expected to continue, with unions and protesters alike vowing to keep up the pressure until their demands are met.
Travelers have been warned to expect disruptions due to the strikes, and French citizens continue to take to the streets to demand change.
