French unions have organized another nationwide protest against pension reform for Tuesday, June 6, according to reports from BFMTV after a meeting of unions across the country. The channel noted the decision to mobilize came after broad union discussions and reflected a unified stance on the issue.
Sources indicate the plan is for the demonstration to occur two days before the National Assembly is set to debate the government’s proposal to repeal the pension reform. The government has indicated that the National Assembly will be working through judicial reform measures, with discussions highlighting the potential impact of the reform on workers and retirees alike. The situation remains a focal point of national debate and public attention. [Citation: BFMTV]
In prior reporting, authorities described disturbances linked to May Day demonstrations, with more than 500 people detained amid clashes in several cities. Estimates of turnout varied widely, with organizers putting participation at around 800,000, while police figures suggested up to 2.3 million people participated nationwide. Dozens of police officers sustained injuries during the protests. [Citation: Official sources]
On April 15, President Emmanuel Macron signed a decree affecting retirement rules, including raising the statutory retirement age from 62 to 64. The reform is expected to take effect in the fall of 2023. Public sentiment on the reform was deeply divided, with surveys indicating that more than 70 percent of French respondents expressed opposition to the changes. [Citation: Official records and media reports]