France: Mass Protests Call for Repeal of Pension Reform and Wage Hikes
Thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Tuesday in response to calls from various trade unions demanding the repeal of pension reforms and an increase in wages.
“This demonstration aims to convey to the Prime Minister that there are pressing social issues at stake, particularly regarding pensions and public services,” stated Laurent Feisthauer of the CGT union during a rally held in Strasbourg, eastern France, one of 180 protests nationwide.
The CGT reported participation of 170,000 individuals, while police estimated the number at 95,000. The last major wage demonstration in October 2023 saw attendance figures ranging from 92,500 (according to police) to 200,000 (as reported by the CGT).
In Paris, the CGT recorded 20,000 attendees, whereas police reported 11,000. Some protesters voiced concerns about upcoming budgetary decisions.
The education sector observed a strike rate of 6.08% among teachers. In terms of transportation, TGV services remained “normal,” with only minor disruptions reported for certain regional trains, according to media sources.
These unions aimed to exert further pressure on Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who outlined his priorities before lawmakers after meeting with social partners last week.
On Tuesday, Barnier assured the Assembly of his intention to reduce the deficit to below 3% of GDP by 2029, targeting contributions from “large companies” and “the wealthiest French citizens,” but primarily through spending cuts.
He announced plans to “relinquish control” over unemployment insurance to social partners, effectively terminating the current approach proposed by the previous government under Gabriel Attal. He requested that negotiations begin “in the coming weeks,” as the existing unemployment compensation rules are set to expire on October 31.
Regarding the pension reform adopted last year, which gradually raises the retirement age to 64, he suggested that “dialogue should resume,” reiterating the “imperative to maintain the sustainable balance of our system.”
