The manifestations of popular anger are evident in the streets of the capital, Paris, where the weight of the accumulated waste in the streets has reached more than 100,000 tons.
French cities are anticipating a new day of demonstrations rejecting the amendments to the country’s pension system, a day after the meeting held between French Prime Minister Elizabeth Born and labor groups, which was described as “failed”.
The government had approved this amendment without submitting it to a vote in the National Assembly. And she has hoped to find common ground as unions continue to demand the withdrawal of the text that raises the retirement age from 62 to 64, which President Emmanuel Macron wants.
In parallel with the movements on the street, the Constitutional Council, which is the highest judicial body in France, will consider the issue of raising the retirement age, and it is expected to issue a decision on the file.
However, apart from the political debate in this file, some raise questions about the impact of two additional years of work on the lives of the French, after their demonstrations turned into widespread anger.
How angry are the French?
The manifestations of popular anger are evident in the streets of the capital, Paris, where the weight of the accumulated waste has reached more than 100,000 tons.
The cleaning and sanitation workers also announced that they will continue their strike until their demands are met. Note that the base age for these people is 57 instead of 62 due to the circumstances of this profession, and according to the amendment, the number will become 59 instead of 64.
Observers justified Macron’s stances and his insistence on passing the law by saying that many governments in the developed world are living in similar conditions, as population growth is declining, people are living longer, and medicines are better.
Article 49.3 of the Constitution
Fearing that he would not get enough votes in Parliament to pass the bill, Macron resorted to the “explosive option” by using a special article in the French constitution that allows the government to pass the bill without a vote.
This sparked outrage across France and reduced the president’s popularity. Macron’s opponents cemented his image as an undemocratic monarchist.
Even if the protests subside, the French president will continue to suffer, amid the growth of the forces opposing him and the loss of a large number of supporters.
How important are the protests?
The Constitutional Council in France is made up of judges called “The Wise”, and is headed by former Socialist Prime Minister Laurent Fabius.
If this judicial authority decides that part or all of the law is not in accordance with the Constitution, it can overturn it. The Elders will also judge whether critics of the law can proceed with their attempts to force a nationwide referendum on changing pensions.
While the council is required to rule on purely constitutional grounds, experts say it tends to take public opinion into account.
