France has been suffering a series of protests, both violent and non-violent, as a result of a recent move by President Emanuel Macron. The beleaguered leader raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. Macron says the move was necessary to keep the system solvent, as people are living much longer than in previous years.
When the plan to do this was initially revealed, it was met with a ton of criticism and protests. Regular working people all the way to city workers in places like Paris showed their dismay. Sanitation workers walked off the job and trash piled up on the streets.
Ultimately, Macron used section 49.3 of the French Constitution to bypass the typical process in which a bill becomes law. Detractors of Macron say that this action is legal, yet undemocratic. Opposition lawmakers have 24 hours to draft up a no-confidence vote in the Government, but that is unlikely. Macron’s decision is most likely final.
SOURCES:
France’s Macron overrides parliament to pass pension reform bill
Violent protests in France over Macron’s retirement age push | AP News
Protests held in France amid anger at Macron’s pension reform | Protests News | Al Jazeera
Has Emmanuel Macron doomed France’s government by pushing through his reforms? | The Economist
Paris police, protesters clash for third night over Macron’s pension reform
Paris police, protesters clash for third night over Macron’s pension reform | Reuters
France’s streets are filled with garbage and fury. Here’s why.
