What to expect from tomorrow’s protests in france

WE LOOK AHEAD TO THE FOURTH DAY OF MOBILISATION AGAINST PENSION REFORMS. THE PRIME MINISTER SAYS A LOT OF OPPOSITION IS DUE TO PEOPLE BEING UNHAPPY IN THEIR WORK Unions say they are hoping

that record numbers of protestors will attend demonstrations across France this weekend as they continue to push back against the government's pension reform bill. Tomorrow (Saturday

February 11) will be the fourth day of national demonstrations against the proposed bill, which controversially includes raising the minimum pension age from 62 to 64. Numbers for the third

day of demonstrations (February 7) were slightly lower than the first and second days, with 757,000 attending nationwide protests on Tuesday according to Interior Ministry figures. Unions

are hoping that their calls for widespread demonstration will see the largest number of people yet join Saturday’s national demonstrations. Details of where some of the protest action will

be taking place and planned marches can be found here. PROTESTS BUT NO STRIKES As a reminder, Saturday is a day of national _manifestations_ against the government but no strike action is

being called for in the public sector. There have, therefore, not been any union announcements that train journeys or flights will be affected tomorrow. Action is not usually taken on

weekends but February 11 is an exceptional circumstance, allowing not just public sector workers but also those in the private sector to show their opposition to the proposed reforms. It is

hoped that those in the public sector will join the demonstrations even if not striking, in a chance to protest without losing pay. Saturday’s protest is supported by all eight major French

unions, including the CGT, which does not usually condone activity over the weekend. “We consider that demonstrations must go hand in hand with work stoppages,” says Fabrice Angei, one of

the CGT's national leaders. “But we hear the need to allow other profiles to mobilise,” he added. Recent polls show that 65% of people in France oppose the government’s reform, READ

MORE: NEW STRIKE DAY ANNOUNCED IN FRANCE, PROTESTS ALSO THIS SATURDAY READ MORE: MOST STRIKES IN FRANCE ARE ON A TUESDAY OR A THURSDAY. HERE’S WHY POTENTIAL ‘GENERAL STRIKE’ IN MARCH Unions

have also called for a fifth day of strike action next week on Thursday February 16. All eight major French unions back the call, with disruption to transport expected, although exact

details will not be announced until nearer the time. Discussions for a _grève total_ (a general strike) on March 7 have started but as of now nothing is confirmed. This action is more

serious than what has been seen on previous strike days this year - which mostly included public sector workers - and could see France completely shut down if private sector workers join the

action. This date has been chosen because all winter school holidays in France will be finished by the weekend before, meaning strikes will not affect families returning from holidays. The

date is also politically important as on March 4 the government’s bill will be transferred to a joint committee of both MPs and Senators if not already voted for in parliament. ANGER NOT

ABOUT RETIREMENT Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne says the government will still go ahead with the reforms despite the protests. In an interview with La Voix du Nord, she says she is not

making the policy changes “for pleasure” but because they are necessary for the country. A lot of anger at the protests, she believes, is not caused by the proposed retirement age increase

but because people “are not happy in their work”. The topic is “sensitive” for French people, she admitted, but reaffirmed the importance of the reforms in light of France’s growing national

debt. The reforms are currently being discussed in parliament. RELATED ARTICLES: WHY MORE PEOPLE ARE SUPPORTING THE RETIREMENT STRIKES IN FRANCE UNIONS CALL FOR TOUGHER, LONGER PENSION

STRIKES IN FRANCE