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France: Police crack down on a protest against pension reform in front of Parliament in Paris

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The security forces intervened this Thursday night in the Place de la Concorde, in the heart of Paris, to disperse thousands of demonstrators who were protesting against the pension reform in the Chamber of Deputies, approved by Emmanuel Macron

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Officers used water cannons after they attempted to damage the works of the ancient Egyptian obelisk located in the center of the square, according to police. Hours earlier, the French government had decided to adopt an unpopular reform without a vote from deputies.

From mid-afternoon thousands of people gathered in the square after the government adopted an unpopular reform, which delays the retirement age from 62 to 64, without submitting it to a vote by MPs.

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Despite the rejection of two out of three French people, according to polls Macron wants to postpone the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030 and bring forward to 2027 the obligation to pay 43 years (and not 42 as hitherto) to collect a full pension .

The police charged and fired tear gas keep protesters away from the bridge that connects the Plaza de la Concordia with the National Assembly (lower house). At least eight people have been arrested, according to police.

Protesters clash with police in Paris.  photo by AFP

Protesters clash with police in Paris. photo by AFP

Most of the demonstrators left the venue around 20:30 heading towards the adjacent streets.

Various cities in France recorded spontaneous demonstrations against the reform promoted by the liberal president Emmanuel Macron.

Banners in Paris read: “He who sows misery reaps anger”, while protesters shouted “Down with Macron and 49.3! General strike!”

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.  photo by AFP

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. photo by AFP

The Prime Minister, Elisabeth Borne, activated Article 49.3 of the Constitution to enforce the reform. MEPs are now left with only, to prevent its application, approve a motion of no confidence in the government in the next few days.

Two out of three French people, according to polls, oppose the reform, as do the unions, which managed to mobilize 1.28 million people, according to the police (3.5 million, according to the CGT union) on March 7.

The centrals have called for new massive demonstrations next Thursday.

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Source: Clarin

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