The proposed pension reforms in France have led to widespread protests and strikes across the country, with over a million people taking to the streets on Thursday. The mostly peaceful demonstrations turned violent in some areas, with clashes between protesters and police resulting in fires, damage to property, and injuries. The French government has pushed a bill to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64 through parliament without a vote, leading to anger and frustration among workers and unions. The strikes have disrupted transport networks, oil refineries, and schools, and have even affected air traffic, with 30% of flights impacted at Paris Orly airport. Despite the protests, the Macron government has not backed down and has used a constitutional clause to bypass a vote on the legislation.
The proposed pension reforms in France have sparked widespread protests, with over a million people taking to the streets and clashes breaking out between demonstrators and police. The reforms would increase the retirement age from 62 to 64, and while the government claims they are necessary to prevent a projected budget deficit, unions and workers argue that the reforms will undermine their rights and benefits. The strikes disrupted transportation, oil refineries, and schools, and affected air travel, with 30% of flights impacted at Paris Orly airport. The protests are set to continue, with further nationwide demonstrations planned for March 28. Despite the opposition, French President Emmanuel Macron has defended the reforms and confirmed they will be implemented by the end of the year.
