Another protest against pension reform in Paris

Thousands again demonstrated in Paris against the government’s pension reforms. Demonstrators gathered on Place de la République on Tuesday evening. The media reported a heated atmosphere and photographs showed tear gas. Police told the newspaper “Le Parisien” that protesters had thrown at the emergency services.

In France, people have taken to the streets nightly for days now to protest pension reform and the government’s crackdown on the legislative process. Last Thursday, the government decided at the last minute to push through the project without a vote by the National Assembly. With the failure of two no-confidence motions on Monday evening, the reform was officially adopted. The spontaneous demonstrations repeatedly led to riots.

To close the looming gap in the pension fund, the French central government under President Emmanuel Macron wants to gradually increase the retirement age from 62 to 64 years. The retirement age in France is currently 62 years. In fact, retirement starts later on average: those who have not paid in long enough to receive a full pension continue to work longer. At the age of 67, there will then be a pension without deduction, regardless of the payment period – the government wants to maintain this, even if the number of payment years required for a full pension increases faster. She wants to increase the monthly minimum pension to around 1,200 euros.

In France, there have been repeated strikes and violent protests against the reform for weeks. Another action day is scheduled for Thursday. (sda/dpa)