The streets are reacting to Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform. Thousands of people came out to demonstrate after the announcement, as France was already witnessing strikes in various sectors that caused disruption in the country in response to the President’s move.
Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne announced this Thursday that the government will invoke Article 49.3 of the constitution to implement the controversial pension reform, which raises the retirement age from 62 to 64 without the text having to be approved by the National Assembly. The Senate approved the bill the same day.
In addition to popular reaction, the measure was met with a response from lawmakers singing La Marseillaise. Several political groups have announced a motion of no confidence that has to be tabled in the next 24 hours. Macron has faced several before, but has always escaped unscathed due to the lack of cohesion in the groups on his right and left.