26 Apr 2023 | 03:14 PM UTC
France: Activists likely to stage protests and strikes nationwide into early May after Constitutional Council approves pension reform plan /update 4
Activists likely to stage further protests and strikes across France into early May after Constitutional Council approves pension reform.
Event
Activists will likely continue to stage protests and strikes across France into early May to denounce the government's pension reforms. As of April 26, demonstrations are ongoing nationwide. Police forces have forcibly dispersed or otherwise pushed back demonstrators. Further protests are likely, some of which may become violent.
Labor unions have called for a further nationwide strike day on April 28. As of April 26, the strike's precise impact is unknown. Based on recent nationwide industrial action, it is likely that the SNCF national rail network and the Paris region public transport operators will run between 50 and 75 percent of trains. Government servants, teachers, and healthcare workers may also join the action. Some staff at private companies will likely participate in any such labor actions, resulting in business disruptions and closures.
Labor unions plan mass demonstrations on May 1 to mark International Workers' Day. Large protests are likely nationwide. In Paris, the following planned events are likely to attract tens of thousands of attendees:
Main demonstration: Gathering at 14:30 in Place de la Republique, then a march to Place de la Nation via Place de la Bastille.
Pre-demonstration march by the CNT union: Gathering at 12:00 at Place des Fetes, then a march to Place de la Republique.
Demonstrations by Yellow Vest movement: Gathering at 09:30 at Place de la Porte de Vanves, then a march to Place Henri Langlois, and at 15:00 at Porte de Clignancourt, then a march to Place Pigalle.
Air traffic control (ATC) staff are on strike until at least May 2. No scheduled flight reductions have been announced through April 30, although flight delays and cancelations are possible. Airlines have been requested to reduce between 25 and 33 percent of flights May 1-2 at most airports, including at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY). Authorities have warned that significant delays and cancelations are likely on these dates, with further reductions possible. A minimum level of service is guaranteed throughout the strike. Cabin crew at Vueling (VY) will also strike April 28-May 1 and May 6-8.
Authorities will probably deploy an increased security presence to the sites of additional demonstrations and around government buildings. Protesters may block major roads - especially ring roads close to major cities - and obstruct access to transport hubs, such as bus and train depots. Demonstrators may also engage in further acts of vandalism, including arson. Large crowds and associated security measures may prompt authorities to close roads and enact temporary movement restrictions, resulting in localized traffic disruptions. Clashes between activists and security services cannot be ruled out; riot police may use tear gas or similar measures to disperse unruly crowds.
Context
The government's pension reform raises the retirement age from 62 to 64 and is a landmark policy of President Emmanuel Macron. As of April 26, labor unions and opposition parties have led 13 days of national general strikes since Jan. 19. Hundreds of major demonstrations across the country have accompanied the industrial action.
The demonstrations became increasingly intense and frequently violent after the president invoked Article 49.3 of the French Constitution. This enabled the government to pass the pension reform without requiring a vote in the National Assembly. On April 14, the Constitutional Council's partially approved the pension reform plan, after which the president signed the increased pension age into law.
Advice
Confirm all transport reservations as well as public- and private-sector appointments into at least early May, including at public health centers and other government facilities. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate personal exposure to any associated disruptions. Allow extra time for travel in major cities. Heed instructions from local authorities and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.
