French Retirement Age Strike Hits Schools And Trains
Paris: France is facing a nationwide strike and protests it is because of the issue that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. People are protesting against this plan of President Emmanuel Macron.
Eight major unions are taking part in this protest. Its high rate of strikes in the nation is affecting schools, public transport, and oil refineries.
On the first day of action, more than a million people protested in the country of France. During this strike, more than half of the teachers in France were on the road.
President Macron and their government are in the mood for pension age reforms they are facing opposition on the road.
Around 2/3 of voters oppose the changes that the President wants. The bill will pave its way through the National Assembly starting next week.
The government would have to rely as much on right-wing republicans for support as on the ruling parties’ MPs, without any majority in parliament.
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Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon said in his statement that France is turning its head towards a mass protest. The protest could be much bigger than the January 19 protest. He said that more than 200 cities could be affected by this protest.
More than 11,000 police officers are on the road to deal with any untoward situation that could lead to protests. Paris is the most affected area.
Road, transport, rail, and congestion are getting affected further due to the protest. According to the CGT union, more than 3/4 of workers left Total Energy oil refineries and fuel depots, and EDF workers – the largest power plant workers also left work and all of them are now on the street, greatly affecting the nation Happening. The teachers are also on the street, so the schools are also affected by the strike, which is caused by the decisions of the President.
The government has indicated it may go some way in expanding the reform but has ruled out the main thrust of raising the retirement age by two years to 64.
In France, the retirement age is lower than that of most other countries in Western Europe, it is 62 but Germany and Italy have raised the official retirement age to 67. In Spain, it is 65 and in Britain, it is 66.
Christopher Weisberg, A lawmaker from President Macron said that Any reform that asks people to work longer hours will be unpopular, but we are elected on this reform.
Philippe Eghian who is an Economist Prof said it is necessary raising the retirement age would also help raise the employment rate in France.
