Striking workers in France storm the headquarters of luxury goods group LVMH

French workers protesting pension reforms flocked to the Paris headquarters of luxury goods group LVMH today. Workers urged the rich to contribute more to the financing of their pensions.

More than 100 protesters entered the building on Paris’s luxury avenue, Avenue Montaigne, while the remaining protesters filled the street.

While LVMH sells luxury products with premium brands in wine, perfume, cosmetics and other areas, the company is headed by Bernard Arnault, the world’s richest person, according to Forbes’ list. It is believed to be symbolically significant that the workers raided the headquarters of this company.

‘IF MACRON WANTS TO FIND MONEY, HE SHOULD COME HERE’

Speaking to French television BFMTV outside the LVMH building, union leader Fabien Villedieu claimed the protest was symbolic, saying: “If Macron wants to find money to finance the pension system, he has to come here to find it.”

LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault was also a frequent target of slogans during protests in France. LVMH took advantage of the recovery in demand for luxury goods after the epidemic, increasing its shares by about 26 percent since the beginning of the year, making it the most valuable company in Europe.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN FRANCE?

Massive demonstrations broke out in France on March 16, following the government’s decision to approve the bill, which includes raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, without a vote.

French workers took to the streets for the 12th time for massive demonstrations ahead of today’s Constitutional Court decision that will determine the future of pension reform. Demonstrations are taking place in many cities across the country, while workers in sectors such as education, transport and energy go on strike against the pension reform, which has become the country’s main agenda.

The protesters demand that the government withdraw the pension reform. Tomorrow, the court will announce its decision on whether the reform is constitutional.

Violence occurred in many parts of the country between police and protesters, who responded harshly to protests during demonstrations. More than 1,000 people have been detained in protests across the country since March 16.