French Protesters Continue to Challenge Pension Reforms With New Strikes
PARIS (AP) – Public transport, schools, and electricity, oil and gas supplies were cut short in France on Tuesday as protesters took to the streets for a third round of nationwide strikes and protests against the government’s pension reform plans.
The demonstrations take place a day after the start of the debate on the law in Parliament.
According to the authorities, an estimated 1.27 million people demonstrated last week, more than on the first major day of protests on January 19. Further demonstrations were planned for Saturday, to which the eight largest French unions had called.
Rail operator SNCF said train services were severely disrupted across the country on Tuesday, including on its high-speed network. International lines to the UK and Switzerland were affected. The Paris subway was also disrupted.
Electricity producer EDF said the protest movement has resulted in a temporary reduction in electricity supply without causing blackouts. According to the company, more than half of the workforce in the TotalEnergies refineries went on strike.
Many teachers also went on strike in parts of France, including Paris, while there were school holidays in some other regions.
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to press ahead with the changes, despite opinion polls showing growing opposition.
A heated debate began in Parliament on Monday, when more than 20,000 amendments were proposed by opposition lawmakers – mostly by the left-wing Nupes coalition.
The bill would gradually raise the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030, accelerating a proposed measure that would, among other things, require people to have worked for at least 43 years to be eligible for a full pension.
The debate in the National Assembly and Senate is expected to last several weeks.
The Associated Press
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