Strike against regulation to raise the retirement age in France

Public transport systems and intercity trains will be largely paralyzed and many schools will close due to today’s nationwide strike against French President Emmanuel Macron’s bill to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.

The country’s rail operator, SNCF, has announced that only a third of its high-speed TGV lines will operate, and almost no commuter or intercity trains will operate.

The unions announced that seven out of 10 primary school teachers will go on strike. The EDF electricity distribution company announced that eight nuclear reactors and some hydroelectric plants were unable to generate electricity due to the strike.

A SERIOUS EXAMINATION FOR MACRON

The nationwide strikes and protests are a serious test for Macron.

The French government announced on January 10 that the reform, announced on January 10, would allow French people to work until the age of 64, two years longer than the current law requires, if approved by parliament.

Under the government plan, it was established that the retirement age would be increased by three months each year starting in September to reach 64 in 2030.

After the announcement, unions and opposition parties announced that they would fight fiercely against the reform that would delay their retirement. (Reuters)