On Thursday, over a million people participated in protests against unpopular pension changes across France. Violence erupted in some places as unions called for new countrywide strikes and demonstrations next week. Coinciding with King Charles III’s planned visit to France.
The Interior Ministry reported that the protests in France, which was marred by violence. Drew 119,000 people, which was a record for the capital during the pension protests. Polls say most French oppose President Emmanuel Macron’s bill to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64. Which he says is necessary to keep the system afloat.
Building on the strong turnout, unions swiftly called for new protests and strikes on Tuesday. Hence British king is scheduled to visit Bordeaux on the second day of his trip to France.
The heavy wooden door of the elegant Bordeaux City Hall was set afire and quickly destroyed Thursday evening. Nationwide, more than a million people joined protest marches held in cities and towns.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, gave assurance that security “poses no problem” and the British monarch will be “welcomed and welcomed well.”
He said there was “enormous degrading” of public buildings and commerce Thursday. “Far more important than in precedent demonstrations.”
“There are troublemakers, often extreme left, who want to take down the state and kill police and ultimately take over the institutions,” the minister said.
The demonstrations were held a day after Macron further angered his critics by standing strong on the retirement bill. That his government forced through parliament without a vote.
Strikes upended travel as protesters blockaded train stations, Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, refineries and ports.
