France braces for strikes as 1 million expected to protest pension reform bill

Unions in France are protesting against the government’s plans to raise the pension age from 62 to 64, resulting in transport and public service disruptions. 

Most train and metro services are cancelled on Tuesday, and many schools are closed, making it the sixth day of strikes and the most significant demonstration yet, with over one million people expected in Paris and other cities. 

Unions are calling for escalation and “bringing the country to its knees” as the government shows no sign of backing down on its pension plan. 

However, the campaign has caused little damage to the economy, and the bill is proceeding through parliament. 

French back ongoing strikes

The majority of French citizens back the ongoing strikes against President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform, a poll by French survey group Elabe suggests. The opinion poll suggests that two-thirds of people support the protest movement, and 56% support rolling strikes. 

On the other hand, President Emmanuel Macron has called the pension reform “essential” due to deficits predicted for France’s pension system over the next 25 years. 

Government spokesman Olivier Véran has warned that the strikes could lead to an “ecological, agricultural, and health catastrophe.”

 More than 260 demonstrations are expected across France, with up to 1.4 million people anticipated to attend. 

Neighbouring European countries have already raised the retirement age to 65 or above due to longer life expectancy.