Paris Fills with Garbage and Is Set on Fire after Macron Raises Age for Retirement Benefits
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Paris is burning. Again.
Elon Musk said it best, “France seems to love having a good strike/riot from time to time.”
Indeed.
This time the fiery protests broke out in Paris (and beyond) over pension reforms that have been forced through by the government. These reforms will push the retirement age from 62 to 64.
The pension reforms were already widely controversial as it is. However, it was how they were pushed through that infuriated the masses. The pension reform bill was approved without going through a vote in the lower house – where President Macron’s party does not have a majority. This move sparked, arguably, the most anger amongst the French people.
Figures from pollster IFOP show that 83% of young adults (18-24) and 78% of those aged over 35 found the government’s manner of passing the bill “unjustified.” Even among pro-Macron voters – those who voted for him in the first round of last year’s presidential election, before a runoff with his far-right adversary – a majority of 58% disagreed with how the law was passed, regardless of their thoughts about the reforms.
Why is Macron so determined on this even though it’s unpopular?
Macron made social reforms, especially of the pensions system, a flagship policy of his 2022 re-election and it’s a subject he has championed for much of his time in office. However, Thursday’s move has so inflamed opposition across the political spectrum, that some are questioning the wisdom of his hunger for reforms.
Figures from pollster IFOP show that 83% of young adults (18-24) and 78% of those aged over 35 found the government’s manner of passing the bill “unjustified.” Even among pro-Macron voters – those who voted for him in the first round of last year’s presidential election, before a runoff with his far-right adversary – a majority of 58% disagreed with how the law was passed, regardless of their thoughts about the reforms.
Singing the National Anthem after enacting “dictatorship” probably wasn’t a smart move.
Macron invoked Article 49.3 of the French Constitution today…which allows the Government to create a Dictatorship. Then they all sang the National Anthem together. Lol. Bonnè chance…France…incoming Riots in 3-2-1… pic.twitter.com/vn5fOqA9Pw
— Liz Churchill (@liz_churchill8) March 17, 2023
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To make matters worse, garbage workers are on strike, and as a result, the City of Lights has fallen into a trashy heap of darkness.
Mounds of food waste piled in view of the Eiffel Tower. Small cobblestone streets lined with overflowing garbage bins. The bank of the Seine skirted by heaps of trash.
For more than a week now, garbage workers in parts of Paris and other cities across France have been on strike, protesting President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to raise the age when most workers begin collecting a government pension to 64, from 62.
The refuse rising in insalubrious piles, some taller than the pedestrians trying to avoid them, is a smelly, visceral symbol of popular outrage at the government’s plan. It also serves as a physical reminder of the hardship of professions not suited for old age, garbage workers say.
But it’s the violence and fires that are capturing the most worldwide attention.
These clips of fire-ravaged cities look very symbolic of the dystopian world we live in at the moment.
Paris tonight. Soon everywhere. pic.twitter.com/Fr3OoX3xJU
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) March 18, 2023
The scenes are incredible. The smell of “revolution” is definitely in the air.
POWER TO THE FRENCH PROLETARIAT. ✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿🚩pic.twitter.com/Gze8Ep1qiH
— Communist Party ☭ (@CPBritain) March 16, 2023
Riot police in Paris clash with anti-Macron forces. The cops loudly BANG their riot shields on the streets as a way to intimidate the protesters.