Macron stands firm as pension reform protests heat up
STORY: French President Emmanuel Macron drew an angry response from unions and opposition parties on Wednesday when he said he would press on with plans to raise the pension age, despite fury among many French people.
In his first public comments since pushing through the bill, Macron said in televised interview he was undeterred.
“…This reform is necessary. And I say this to the French people, I don't enjoy doing this, I would have preferred not to do this, but it's also because of a sense of responsibility that I expressed my commitment to do this in front of you."
The comments did little to smooth things over. On Wednesday, protesters blocked train stations…
In Nice, an effigy of Macron was laid on the tracks and thrown into the air.
Polls show a wide majority of French are opposed to the pension legislation… and the past six nights have seen fierce demonstrations across France with bins set ablaze and scuffles with police.
Macron insists reform is needed to ensure the pension system does not go bust.
But this union leader said the new law - pushed through parliament without a vote last week and which raises the pension age by two years to 64 – needs to be stopped.
CGT UNION SECRETARY-GENERAL OF HAVRE PORT, LAURENT DELAPORTE: “How can we hear that the street has no legitimacy? How can we hear that the pension reform, despite all the protests, will continue to be implemented? How can we legitimise this crime of democracy with these announcements? No. It has stirred up more hatred...”
Socialist party lawmaker Olivier Faure said Macon is creating the chaos:
"He (Emmanuel Macron) is an absolute pyromaniac, he's setting this country on fire, he pushes people towards entrenchment, he creates anger, he's the one who fuels the fire today…”
Macron says he wants to re-engage with union leaders on the topic.
This union member said she’s open to talks.
But before that - a ninth nationwide day of protests and strikes is set for Thursday, according to union organizers… with massive disruptions expected to train travel, airports and schools.
