The French trade unions took action again on Saturday to protest against the planned pension reform. Nearly a million people took to the streets across the country. Union representatives called on President Emmanuel Macron to question the population about the pension schemes.
“If he is so sure, the president should just ask the people,” says Philippe Martinez of the CGT trade union (= Confédération générale du travail, in German General Confederation of Labour). In previous polls, a large majority had repeatedly voted against the reform.
Older starting age, but more money
This provides for a gradual increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64 years. This should close the looming gap in the pension fund. In fact, pension starts on average later than the age of 62: those who have not paid long enough to be entitled to full continued payment, continue to work for longer. At the age of 67, you will then receive a pension without deductions, regardless of how long you have contributed. The government intends to maintain this, even if the number of years required increases more rapidly. Another change is that the monthly minimum pension will be increased to approximately 1200 euros.
French trade unions say the plan is cruel and unjust. According to their own statements, they therefore recently mobilized 3.5 million people to protest. On the other hand, representatives of the Ministry of the Interior spoke of more than a million people involved. On Saturday there were larger rallies in cities such as Paris, Nice and Toulouse. There was a strike in air and train traffic, resulting in failures and disruptions.
Although many people are convinced that reforms are coming, they take to the streets anyway. One of the reasons for this is that social movements in France have historically been successful. In addition, not all members of the Macron Renaissance party are behind the plans. On Wednesday, a committee must seek a compromise between the two chambers of parliament. Parliament then has until March 26 to make a decision on the pension reform.
The government promises that the protests will then be stopped. Others, on the other hand, assume that the more radical groups could prolong strikes on the railways or refineries.
Source: Krone
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