Numerous arrests – pension reform sparks protests in France

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After the controversial pension reform was passed, protests broke out across France on Monday evening. In Paris alone, police temporarily arrested some 170 people. The government has already survived two no-confidence motions, so the reform is considered a success.

Hundreds of people gathered in the evening at the National Assembly in Paris, and people also took to the streets in Strasbourg, Dijon, Lyon, Lille and other cities. In many places rubbish bins were overturned or set on fire, barricades were erected or stones were thrown.

The government survived the vote of no confidence
According to the official result of the vote, the vote on the first cross-party motion fell just nine votes short of an absolute majority, which would have led to the fall of the government. A second vote of no confidence from the right-wing populist Rassemblement National also failed.

The government was able to pass the reform in this way because it had enforced Article 49.3 of the Constitution. This stipulates that a law can be passed without a vote in parliament if the government subsequently survives no-confidence motions.

The government could count on the votes of conservative Republicans. Of these, 19 MPs ultimately voted with the opposition for the cross-party motion.

The French hoped to overthrow the government
According to a poll published Monday, about two-thirds of French people had hoped the government would fall. The summary procedure imposed by the government had further sparked furious protests against the reform.

The reform pushed by President Emmanuel Macron includes a gradual increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030. In addition, the minimum pension will be increased to 1,200 euros for full contribution periods and the employment of seniors will be promoted. The project has sparked protests across the country for weeks, including discontent over inflation, political dissatisfaction and a growing rejection of the president.

Source: Krone

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