French trade unions estimate that more than 500,000 people marched from Place d’Italie to Les Invalides, in central Paris, a number disputed by authorities, which would represent an increase of 100,000 people compared to the protest on 19 December. January.
The protest movement also showed signs of strengthening in other cities after the first day of protest. In Marseille, Nantes or Bordeaux, more people took to the streets this Tuesday and the threat of strikes will continue in the coming months.
Schools, transport, hospitals, but also refineries and electrical installations were at half throttle today. Unions estimate that only one in two teachers went to work, while the government denies that only 25% went on strike. About 42 high schools were even closed by students who also opposed this reform.
The unions remain united in this protest with the CGT and CFDT, the two largest French trade union federations, fighting against this proposal.
Laurent Berger, general secretary of the CFDT, said he thinks the demonstrations “will come” to stop the government and that “the workers on the streets will continue” until they get what they want.
At the same time, support for strikes is widespread in French society, with several surveys indicating that more than half of respondents support the social movement. In fact, a survey published Monday by the OpinionWay agency for the newspaper “Les Echos” indicates that 61% of the French support the mobilization.
The government’s proposal reached the National Assembly this week, but Minister Elisabeth Borne already warned that the increase in the retirement age, currently 62 years and which could evolve to 64 or even 65 years, is “non-negotiable”, which the left to take to the streets with the strikers today.
Until March, the proposal can be amended, and it is now up to the government and the deputies of Emmanuel Macron’s majority to convince the traditional right, “The Republicans”, to negotiate the adoption of this reform that will extend the duration of the contributing life of all French people.
Source: DN
