France is bracing for widespread disruption as unions and protesters organise a 'Black Thursday' general strike against government plans to raise the retirement age. The day of action marks the first major test of public resolve to force President Emmanuel Macron to back down, and of his minority government's willingness to stand firm.
Three-quarters of teachers are expected to strike, closing schools, and stoppages will disrupt transport and health services. Most trains will not run, the Paris metro has warned of heavy disruption, and flights have been cancelled. Strikes have also been announced by truck drivers, couriers, delivery companies, and oil refinery workers. Staff at theatres, music venues, and banks are expected to join the action, with police bracing for protests across the country.
A recent Ifop poll for Le Journal du Dimanche found that 68% of respondents opposed the government's measures. While the French public accepts the need for pension reform, there is particular hostility to raising the official retirement age from 62 to 64 and extending the contribution period. Unions, united for the first time in 12 years, demand the immediate withdrawal of the 'unfair and unnecessary' plans.
The government, which lost its parliamentary majority last June, insists it will not back down. It will rely on the conservative Les Républicains party to pass the legislation, and has threatened to use a constitutional measure, article 49.3, to bypass a parliamentary vote. Transport secretary Clément Beaune advised people to work from home, warning of a 'hard day'. Intercity trains are expected to be worst hit, with almost all cancelled, and only one in ten regional trains and one-third to one-fifth of TGVs running.
Successive French presidents have failed to overhaul the pension system. In 1995, Jacques Chirac and Alain Juppé abandoned plans after two million people protested for a month. In 2010, Nicolas Sarkozy raised the retirement age to 62 after a week of strikes and refinery blockades. François Hollande shied away from major changes after large protests. Macron first pushed for reform in 2019, sparking strikes, but the pandemic forced a shelving.
