In Paris, a wave of protests against France’s pension reform led to a significant police response, with reports indicating that at least 217 individuals were detained during demonstrations in the city. Le Figaro cited information from the Paris police headquarters, outlining the scale of the arrests and the authorities’ actions in the capital.
According to the report, 217 people were arrested for joining a protest in Paris with the stated intent to pose harm. The figures underscore the tense atmosphere surrounding the rallies and the authorities’ efforts to maintain order amid ongoing dissent over the pension policy.
Earlier coverage from TASS noted that during the dispersal of demonstrations, some protesters set vehicles on fire and debris accumulated in the streets. There were also accounts of security forces using tear gas in an attempt to disperse crowds opposing the pension reform, reflecting the confrontational nature of the protests that day.
The protests come as the government advances a pension reform package that changes the retirement framework. Supporters argue the measure is necessary for fiscal stability, while critics warn it could place an added burden on workers who have spent decades contributing to the system. The reform involves raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, a move that sparked widespread opposition and prompted a sustained protest movement across major cities, including Paris. The political debate continues as lawmakers weigh public sentiment against the reform’s long-term goals and potential implications for workers and retirement planning.