Un new strike it is paralyzing the whole of France. The sixth day of mobilization against the the pension reform of the French government, strongly desired by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and President Emmanuel Macron.
Strike in France: over 260 demonstrations
The strike will affect the transportation rail, air and local, the ienergy plants, refinery, schools and hauliers. The trade unions Cgt, Fo, Cfdt, Fsu, Unsa, Cftc, Solidaires have also called 260 events all over the country. For the Minister of Transport, Clement Beaune, it will be “one of the hardest days that we have known".
Since the early hours, the CGT (Confédération générale du travail) has announced that all transport leaving the refineries has been blocked, a decision which seems to herald the decision to prolong the strike indefinitely, the government's most feared threat. “The goal is that the government withdraw your project – insisted the secretary of the CGT, Philippe Martinez, interviewed by France Info – is our goal since January 19th. The responsibility lies solely with the government. We cannot remain deaf to the social movement”
Today is the sixth day of the strike since the beginning of 2023, but according to the forecasts of the unions it could be the largest and the most participated. According to figures provided by BmfTv, between 1,1 and 1,4 million demonstrators are expected throughout the country, although the unions are aiming for higher figures, between 2 and 2,5 million. Lstated goal is to block the whole country in order to put pressure on the Elysée and the Government to take a step back on the reform currently under discussion in the Senate. Between January and February there had already been another five days of strike.
What does the French pension reform foresee?
The measure most contested by the trade unions and by the opposition, but also by public opinion concerns the raising of the retirement age from 62 to 64 years. Expected an overall increase in the number of years needed to have a full pension (up to 43 years of contributions in 2027, instead of in 2035 as required by the law in force today). However, the reform establishes exemptions for those who carry out strenuous tasks, introduces measures in favor of career reconstruction (also taking into account "collective utility jobs") and increases the gross monthly salary to 1.200 euros minimum pension for those who have paid the maximum contributions. Finally, another measure strongly opposed by the trade unions is the abolition for future hiring of the special arrangements.
The reform is currently under discussion in Parliament, with a vote in the Senate scheduled for March 12.
