According to French unions last-ditch meeting with Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne to ease tensions over a contentious pension reform a “failure”. After she declined to reverse the changes.
“We told the prime minister once more that the only democratic outcome was the withdrawal of the text.” “The prime minister responded that she wanted to keep the text. A grave decision,” Cyril Chabanier, speaking on behalf of the eight major French unions.
The talks on Wednesday were the first high-stakes meeting between President Emmanuel Macron‘s government and union leaders. Since nationwide protests and strikes against the reform measure began in January.
The next day of demonstrations and protests is scheduled for Thursday.
Despite weeks of protest marches and unrest against the pension overhaul. Which increases the legal retirement age to 64 from 62, Labour reps claim they are not being heard.
According to Chabanier, the unions informed Borne that the only way out of the impasse was for the government to withdraw the reform, which she rejected.
According to the government, adjustments are required to balance the pension budget in the coming years. Moreover, unions claim that the funds can be located elsewhere.
Macron’s determination to push through legislation without a final vote in parliament only fueled unions’ and the general public’s rage.
According to polls, the overwhelming majority of voters reject pension reform. Trade unions argue that there are other ways to balance the budget. Such as raising taxes on the affluent.
The action on Thursday is likely to fuel the fire, infuriating unions, protesters. And left-wing opposition parties who argue that the pension overhaul is unfair and unnecessary.
