France brought to halt as fight over pension reform escalates

Trade unions in France stepped up their fight against President Emmanuel Macron over controversial pension reform on Tuesday as most trains came to a halt, fuel deliveries were disrupted and schools shut on the sixth day of nationwide strikes. The reform would push back the retirement age for millions in the country. Local media termed it a critical time for the government, which is hoping the reform can be adopted by parliament by the end of March. 

To increase pressure on lawmakers not to raise the pension age by two years to 64, unions said, there would be rolling strikes this time, which could go on for days, including at oil refineries and railways. The head of the FO union told local media, they will continue until the reform is withdrawn. 

 

Garbage collectors and truck drivers joined the strike, in a sign the protests were



spreading to more sectors. Like in previous strikes, power production was reduced, Fuel deliveries were blocked from all French refineries and refining was disrupted while many teachers walked off the job. Most train and metro services have been cancelled, and many schools closed. Rallies are planned across France after more than 1.27 million people took part in previous protests on 31st of January.

 

Talking to a television channel, France Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said, she understands that not many people want to work two more years, but it's necessary to ensure the viability of the system.

 

So far, the bill is proceeding through Parliament. While President Macron's camp does not have an absolute majority in Parliament, it can count on the support of at least part of the Les Republicans party