The protests disrupted transport and schools in France on Tuesday.
Police used tear gas during demonstrations in Paris. There were minor skirmishes in the city of Nantes. But more than 260 demonstrations organized by trade unions across the country were mostly peaceful.
Macron’s opposition leaders vowed to paralyze the government France “on the biggest day of action in a series of stops this year – a goal that proved out of reach, judging by the busy roads of major cities.
However, only one in five regional and high-speed trains ran and the Paris metro system ran on a skeleton timetable.
“The government has to take into account [a resistência] when there are so many people on the street, when they have so much trouble explaining and passing on their reform.”said CFDT union leader Laurent Berger as he spearheaded the demonstration in Paris.
President Macron does not appear to be going back on a reform he has advocated since taking office (in 2017) that he considers essential to reduce the deficits in the pension system predicted for decades to come.
Tuesday’s demonstrations are among the largest in a decade. Still, analysts see Macron as determined to move forward, and as parliament will vote on the draft legislation as early as next week.
Speeches delivered by political opponents and union leaders on Tuesday indicated that Macron had tried to convince voters that mass street protests could force a U-turn on the government, an established part of French democracy.
“On the one hand there is the will of Macron, on the other hand there is the will of the people”said presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon during a demonstration in Marseille. “Who should have the last word? Of course the people should be”he added, calling for new elections or a referendum on the changes.
While about two in three people oppose the reform, the same number believe it will pass, according to a poll by the Elabe polling group released Monday.
Most people support the protests and find the inconveniences justified, polls show.
Ali Toure, a 28-year-old construction worker, told AFP it would be “nothing special” if he were a month late for work. “You’re right to go on strike. Crafts are hard,” he said.
An oil refinery blockade, which has been underway since Tuesday morning, could cause serious disruption if it continues over the coming weeks.
Many street sweepers also went out of work, while about a third of teachers quit work on Tuesday, according to education ministry figures.
“Work longer”
The government argues that raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, removing privileges enjoyed by workers in some sectors and tightening requirements for a full pension are necessary to balance the pension system.
Unions dispute that conclusion, saying small increases in contributions could keep the social security system solvent. They also argue that the proposed measures are unfair and would disproportionately affect low-skilled workers who start their careers early, as well as women.
The bill is now being debated in the Senate, with a vote by both chambers of parliament expected in the middle of the month or by March 26 at the latest.
Union leaders will meet on Tuesday evening to decide on the next steps.
Source: DN
