Olivia Vaile
More than a million people set to the streets to strike against Emmanuel Macron’s divisive Pension Reform Bill.
On March 30th – now notoriously dubbed “Black Thursday” – more than a million people in France were estimated to have striked against the Pension Reform Bill.
What is the Pension Reform Bill?
Macron’s Pension Reform Bill aims to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. Many people oppose the policy as France already has a high tax burden.
“Do you think I enjoy making this reform? No.”
The President has caused further outrage by forcing the bill through Parliament without a vote in The National Assembly. To do this, Macaron invoked Article 49.3 of the constitution, which notes that curbing parliamentary oversight is allowed in emergency conditions.
Polls say 82% of voters are against Macron’s decision to push the reform by evoking Article 49.3.
In a live TV appearance on TF1, Macron claims the change to France’s pension system is essential to keep it afloat. He went on to say his only regret was being unsuccessful in convincing people of the necessity of this reform.
The French president said: “Do you think I enjoy making this reform? No.
“This reform isn’t a luxury, it’s not a pleasure, it’s a necessity.”
The interview is said to have fuelled tensions even further.
The impact of protests
Since January, the strikes and riots have led to the complete shutdown of some sectors. causing mass cancellation of trains and flights. This has even postponed King Charles II’s first visit to France since becoming Britain’s Head of State in September 2022.
“This is the final stretch… This is endgame.”
Protesters in masks have been smashing windows, destroying street furniture and throwing stones at police – and thousands have been arrested as a result. Parisien police dispersed tear gas in an attempt to tackle protesters, while Bordeaux saw its historic City Hall go up in flames – a stark display of rage towards this reform.
Many videos and photos have been shared on social media, documenting the chaos and violence of the protests and the counter-attacks by law enforcement.
Who is to blame?
Deputy leader of the CFDT Union, Marylise Léon, said the blame lies with the French government. She predicts protests will continue to get worse if Macron continues to ignore the public, having twice turned down the opportunity to meet with unions about his decision.
Last month, Léon told the Franceinfo broadcaster “This is the final stretch… This is endgame.” But Macron had vowed to stick by his decision, with another general strike planned for April 6th.
But, as Macron has used his authority to pass an unfavourable bill without a democratic vote – it begs the question: for a country that takes pride in its “liberté” – what does this mean for the future of French democracy?
Image courtesy of Roland Godefroy via Wikimedia Commons. Image licence found here. No changes were made to this image.
