10 May 2023 | 03:36 PM UTC
France: Protests denouncing pension reform likely through mid-May /update 6
Activists likely to stage further protests across France through mid-May after Constitutional Council approves pension reform.
Event
Activists will almost certainly continue to stage protests across France through mid-May to denounce the government's pension reforms.
Protesters will likely continue to target a series of regional visits conducted by President Emmanuel Macron. Protesters targeted Macron's May 8 visit to Montluc prison in Lyon; the protest devolved into clashes with police after participants broke into a government building in the city's 3rd arrondissement. Police used force to disperse or push back crowds at other similar protests, and further such action is likely.
Major labor strikes are not planned through May. However, further small-scale and short-notice strikes are likely. Additionally, a major multi-sector strike has been called for June 6.
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. 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 have become increasingly intense and frequently violent after the president invoked Article 49.3 of the French Constitution, enabling the government to pass the pension reform without requiring a vote in the National Assembly. On April 14, the Constitutional Council partially approved the pension reform plan, after which the president signed the increased pension age into law.
Advice
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. Confirm all transport reservations as well as public- and private-sector appointments through mid-May, including at public health centers and other government facilities. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed.
