A mass demonstration unfolded in Paris in opposition to the proposed rise in the retirement age, with reports from DEA News documenting the event. The action began in Opera Square around 14:30 local time, which corresponds to 16:30 Moscow time, drawing a large crowd and signaling broad participation across society. Estimates placed the turnout in the tens of thousands, including representatives from various sectors, university communities, healthcare workers, left-leaning groups, youth organizations, and supporters of the yellow vests movement. (Source: DEA News)
Participants were seen carrying banners aligned with France’s major labor unions and chanting slogans such as Retirement should remain at 60, Hands off our pensions, and No reform without universal approval. The demonstrations underscored widespread concern about proposed changes to the pension system and the impact on workers and retirees alike. (Source: DEA News)
On 7 February, opposition figures contended that a plan from Independent France to scrap the pension reform did not secure enough backing in the National Assembly. Reports from TASS highlighted that the left party’s proposal failed to gain sufficient support to move forward in parliament. (Source: TASS, via DEA News)
Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Elisabeth Born signaled that the government was open to compromise options, while maintaining that the retirement age could be reviewed. The government indicated a willingness to consider alternatives, even as the public conversation remained focused on the proposed 64-year age threshold versus the current 62. (Source: DEA News)
France previously witnessed a nationwide strike on January 19, the first of its kind in connection with the pension reform debate. According to the Ministry of Interior, the demonstration drew a significant crowd nationwide. Subsequent events, including a large-scale mobilization on January 31, were reported by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), which stated that 2.8 million people participated in that action. The scale of these protests highlighted the combustible mix of labor, civil society, and political organizations converging around pension policy. (Source: Interior Ministry and CGT reports, via DEA News)