Nationwide protests set to intensify in France over unpopular pension reforms on Thursday after talks between the French prime minister and union leaders failed to resolve the issue.
On Wednesday, union leaders held a meeting with Elisabeth Borne, the Prime Minister. It was the first meeting since the government presented the unpopular pension reforms. It lasted around an hour and failed to improve the situation.
The Union leaders earlier warned that they would walk out of the negotiation talks if the Prime Minister refused to rolled back the legislation.
Union leader Cyril Chabanier calls for mass protests after talks fail
On behalf of France’s eight major unions, Cyril Chabanier said that they told the prime minister that legislation withdrawal is the only democratic way. He further said that it is a serious decision which the Prime Minister wishes to maintain. The union leader called for massive outcry as talks failed.
The head of state’s biggest union CFDT, Laurent Berger asked to join the strikes across France to maximum number of people, workers, men and women tomorrow. She requested President Macron to roll back the reform. She said to local radio that they are democratic social crisis.
The current leader of the CGT trade union, Sophie Binet said, “We have to continue mobilising until the end, until the government understands there is no way out other than withdrawing this reform.” She further added, “We can’t move on to anything else until this reform is repealed.”
President Borne said that the pension reforms were necessary and she wishes go ahead.
According to the Interior Ministry, the protests and strikes on March 28 attracted less people compared to March 7 as over 1.28 million people were seen protesting across the country.
Protests scheduled on Thursday could show the momentum of protest whether it’s gaining or losing.
RATP, Paris public transport operator predicted normal traffic on Thursday. Compare to previous protests, less rails were disrupted.
Airlines were asked to cut flights in cities like Marseille and Bordeaux by 20% by Civil Aviation authority.
School teachers are also expected to join the protest. Oil refineries and nuclear still unable to perform routine operations due to protests.
In January 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron announced unpopular pension reforms which drew massive protests across the country. The proposed plan includes raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 and increased a year in social security contributions (currently 42) in order to get full pension.
According to polls, two-thirds of the French citizens are against the government decision.
The government has claimed that the reforms are necessary in order to avert the falling of current pensions scheme into deficit.
The protests have been remained peaceful, but became violent when French Prime Minister used a special power to push a bill through the National assembly on March 16. Clashes were reported between protesters and law enforcement agencies.
April 14 will be a crucial date as constitutional council of France will give its ruling on the pension proposal.
With inputs from various news agencies.
