Once again there are protests and strikes against pension reform in Paris. Police officers were seriously injured and more than a hundred demonstrators were arrested.
A protester walks through tear gas smoke during a protest against pension reforms. Jeremias Gonzalez / AP
After unsuccessful talks between the French trade unions and the government on pension reform, strikes and protests against the project were again held in France. According to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, 154 policemen were injured. The minister announced Thursday evening that some of them were seriously injured. In addition, 111 people have been arrested nationwide so far.
Protesters target investment companies
In Paris, protesters also stormed the headquarters of investment company BlackRock. Videos on Twitter show protesters waving flags and lighting Bengali fires inside the occupied building.
Railway workers conquer multinational corporations #Black stone against pension reform. #Griff_Avril pic.twitter.com/L4wxsR025E
– Clement Lanot (@ClementLanot) April 6, 2023
During Macron’s first term in office, BlackRock became a sort of enemy during strikes and protests against pension reforms planned at the time. Blackrock has played no role in the current protests.
While the 14th Macron was in China, the protesters in Paris only have the headquarters of #Black stonethe world’s largest wealth manager. pic.twitter.com/EKiny9g13a
– Thomas Oysmueller (@TOysmueller) April 6, 2023
France: Protesters block access to the airport
According to the authorities, 570,000 people took part in the demonstrations. According to the Ministry of the Interior, there were 740,000 last week. Unions spoke on Thursday for the nearly two million participants.
According to reports, protesters also blocked access to part of Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport, and roads and universities were also blocked in various places. The authorities expect up to 800,000 demonstrators across the country against the gradual increase in the retirement age from 62 to 64.
France: Actual retirement often at a later date
However, the reform has not yet taken effect. Macron wants this to happen by the end of the year. The project is currently under study by the Constitutional Council. MPs, senators and Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne called for the power to scrutinize the text. The Constitutional Council may cancel part or all of the reform or declare it constitutional. Next week Friday wants to announce his decision.
The retirement age in France is currently 62 years. In fact, retirement starts later on average: those who haven’t paid wages long enough to get a full pension work longer. At age 67, there’s a no-deductible pension, no matter how long it’s been paid for – the government wants to keep that, even if the number of years of contributions required for a full pension increases more rapidly. You want to increase your minimum monthly pension to around 1,200 euros.
