Mostly 200 people took to the streets in Cahors, this Tuesday, October 1, after a call for a strike launched by several unions. There were around 300 of them marching in Figeac.
“We are in the streets today because there is a refusal to implement what the French voted for, that is to say a social program”, “There is a contempt for democracy”, ” Macron dismissal!” The tone is set this Tuesday, October 1, on Place François Mitterrand in Cahors. Several unions have called for strikes and demonstrations, in particular to demand the repeal of the pension reform and an increase in wages. In the prefectural town of Lot, around two hundred people walked down Boulevard Gambetta to reach the prefecture, where a speech was held. All in a tense political context: the Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, delivered his general policy speech to the National Assembly.
A procession filled, mainly, with union representatives and retirees. DDM Marc Salvet
In the procession, Patrick Basil, resident of Cahors who has retired for more than ten years. The latter often takes to the streets. Today, he was carrying a sign: “Democracy in danger”. He explains: “There were legislative elections recently. The left had more deputies than the other parties, and we find ourselves with a right-wing government, even far-right, with laws that will be monitored by the National Front. The government is under the control of the FN. The elections were of no use, the dissolution was of no use,” he sighs.
“It’s scandalous”
During the march, at the microphone, the CV of the Prime Minister and his government was scrutinized. In particular that of Bruno Retailleau, Minister of the Interior. In the crowd, some were scandalized following his declaration: “The rule of law is not intangible or sacred.” “It’s scandalous that a minister can make such comments,” regrets a young woman.
Many other demands: the repeal of the pension reform, the increase in salaries, the maintenance of public service, jobs… A demonstration which took place peacefully, with many union representatives and retirees.
In Figeac, demonstrators marched from the hospital gardens to the fairground via the city center. DDM – S.Mitrani
In Figeac, nearly 300 people came to swell the ranks of the demonstration on Tuesday, October 1, departing from the hospital gardens, responding to the joint call from the CGT, the FSU and Sud Solidaires. For many demonstrators, the appointment of the new government, already vilified, was the driving force behind their participation: “We cannot get away with their policies, whether it is 49.3 on pensions, and today the harsh right-wing government while the left won at the polls…” deplores Emile P. accompanying students with disabilities (AESH), supported by Yves, former EDF technician: “Pension reform must not only be repealed, but the retirement age must still be lowered And contrary to the dominant discourse, it is time to share working time again, by reducing it, it is one of the only ways to give work to people. everyone, we will gain on all levels, first and foremost the health of all!” supports the activist, who, like many other demonstrators, wears a CGT badge “Health is vital!” pinned to the jacket.
Alain Millard, CGT Figeac unit, urged the demonstrators to go in front of the Mitterrand space where the Mecanic Vallée Meetings are taking place this Tuesday. DDM – S.Mitrani
“Teaching was on strike this morning, yesterday it was Figeac Aéro, underlined Alain Millard (CGT local unit) in the loudspeaker at the start of the demonstration. On this first day of back-to-school action, who will appeal certainly many others, we will parade in town, then we will go up to the Espace Mitterrand to call on “the local Medef” gathered up there on the occasion of the Mécanic Vallée meeting day, and remind them that our demand is an increase in salaries… and not for shareholders.”
