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Violence in France: what is known about the protests over the pension reform promoted by Macron

Violence in France: what is known about the protests over the pension reform promoted by Macron

Since a few days ago, France faces a day of protests against pension reform promoted by President Emmanuel Macron, whom they accuse of turning their backs on the citizenry and not looking out for their interests. Due to the social unrest, the protesters lit a bonfire where they put cardboard images of the French president to burn; Not only that, because they burned containers and erected barricades.

The escalation of violence did not only occur in the capital, it also moved to Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lyon and Strasbourg, cities where there was no shortage of clashes between citizens, who threw blunt objects and stones, and police officers who responded with tear gas, a situation what left hundreds of detainees mainly in Paris.

Given the great discontent with the Government, the leaders of the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), a left-wing union, called on people to join the protests in order to push Macron back. While this is happening, two motions of censure have already been filed against the Executive.

In the following paragraphs we explain what is happening in the European nation and everything that is known about the pension reform that has led the population to take to the streets.

Protesters clash with police during a demonstration in Nantes, western France, on March 18, 2023 (Photo: Loic Venance/AFP)

WHY ARE THE FRENCH AGAINST THE PENSION REFORM?

On March 16 of this 2023, The Government of Emmanuel Macron approved by decree the pension reform that raises the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64 yearsa measure that has not been well received by the French, who consider that it forces them to work two more years before they can receive their full pension.

Although that was not only what bothered them, since to approve it, the Executive resorted to article 49.3 of the Constitution. Because? Since she already knew that she was not going to reach the absolute majority necessary for its approval, the French Prime Minister, Élisabeth Borne, activated said section that allows skipping the vote in the National Assembly.

As soon as the citizens found out about the use of this article to approve the pension reform without a vote, they took to the streets to protest. Barricades and even burning cars registered during the demonstrations.

The CGT even urged the French to continue their fight until March 23, since they have been organizing a massive protest. Why until then? Because it will be a week since Article 49.3 was used to the detriment of the people, reports the French newspaper 20Minutes.

Protesters attend a demonstration in Nantes, western France, on March 18, 2023 (Photo: Loic Venance / AFP)
Protesters attend a demonstration in Nantes, western France, on March 18, 2023 (Photo: Loic Venance / AFP)

WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE PENSION REFORM SAY?

The pension reform promoted by President Emmanuel Macron delays the retirement of its citizens for two more years; that is, from 62 to 64 years, which will be implemented progressively until 2030.

Likewise, it advances to 2027 the requirement to contribute 43 years to collect a full pension, specifies Radio France International. It should be noted that since it is universal in nature, it will affect salaried and self-employed workers, as well as civil servants.

Protesters take part in a march in Marseille, southern France, on March 18, 2023 (Photo: Clement Mahoudeau / AFP)
Protesters take part in a march in Marseille, southern France, on March 18, 2023 (Photo: Clement Mahoudeau / AFP)

MOTIONS OF CENSORSHIP AGAINST MACRON

Given the discontent, the French National Assembly presented two motions of no confidence against President Emmanuel Macron this March 17. Who presented them?

  • One that is from the centrist and regionalist parliamentary group LIOT (Freedom, Independents, Overseas and Territories), which has the signature of 91 deputies from the leftist coalition NUPES and LIOT itself.
  • The other is from the far-right National Group (RN) formation, after Marine Le Pen, its leader, announced that she wants to dismiss the current government and even support any motion of no confidence, even if it comes from the left. It has the signature of 87 deputies.
A protester holds a sign that reads
A protester holds a sign reading “Let them come get me” during a demonstration at Place d’Italie in Paris, on March 18, 2023, against the French government (Photo: Julien de Rosa / AFP)

IF THE MOTIONS ARE APPROVED, WILL THE MACRON GOVERNMENT BE REMOVED?

Despite their attempts, LIOT, NUPES and RN would not have enough votes to remove Macron, since 289 deputies are required, according to EFE.

Given this, the president of RN has asked the deputies of the traditional right, Los Republicanos (LR), “have the courage to vote on these motions of no confidence”.

Source: Gestion

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