The French police also carried out charges on the square in the French capital tonight. At least 38 protesters were arrested.
Close to the square, in the French Lower House, Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne announced this afternoon that he would push through the planned reform of the pension system, without allowing a vote in parliament.
Parliament offside
This morning the French Senate (upper chamber) voted in favor of the proposal to raise the retirement age. Parliament is expected to vote on the measure later today. But just before the meeting in parliament was due to start, the Council of Ministers held a meeting and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne decided to skip the vote. This is done by using an article from the constitution that sidelines parliament.
An important part of President Macron’s plans is raising the retirement age in France from 62 to 64. There is strong opposition from the trade unions. There have been regular strikes in recent months.
Critics find the constitutional article in question undemocratic. But in France it is not exactly the first time that the article has been used: it has happened a hundred times in French history.
Lyon, Marseille in Toulouse
French media reported unrest in several cities, including Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and Dijon. In Lille, two demonstrators were hospitalized with injuries. In Rennes bus shelters and a real estate agency had to pay for it.
Demonstrations against pension plans have been held in France since January. The national days of action, including public transport strikes, attracted millions of participants.
