Protesters disrupted traffic in Paris on Friday as angry critics, political opponents and labor unions around France blasted President Emmanuel Macron's decision to force a bill raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 through parliament without a vote.
Opposition parties were expected to start procedures later Friday for a no-confidence vote on the government led by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. The vote would likely take place early next week.
His calculated risk infuriated opposition lawmakers, many citizens and unions. Thousands gathered in protest Thursday at the Place de la Concorde, which faces the National Assembly building. As night fell, police officers charged the demonstrators in waves to clear the Place. Small groups then moved through nearby streets in the chic Champs-Elysees neighborhood,. setting street fires.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin told radio station RTL on Friday that 310 people were arrested overnight. Most of the arrests, 258, were made in Paris, according to Darmanin. Macron has made the proposed pension changes the key priority of his second term, arguing that reform is needed to make the French economy more competitive and to keep the pension system from diving into deficit. France, like many richer nations, faces lower birth rates and longer life expectancy.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
IN PHOTOS: Fiery protests erupt across France after Macron pushes pension reform - National | Globalnews.caFires were lit and windows were smashed after Macron's administration forced through a highly unpopular bill raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 without a vote.
Read more »
Explainer | Protests erupt across France after President Emmanuel Macron raises retirement age — here’s whyHere’s what you need to know about the controversial bill that is expected to trigger a no-confidence motion.
Read more »
Netanyahu rejects Israeli president’s alternative to judicial overhaulPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects proposal from Israeli President Isaac Herzog designed to calm protests
Read more »
Videos show scattered protests during Iran's fire festivalDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranians have held scattered anti\u002Dgovernment protests during an annual fire festival with ancient roots, according to videos…
Read more »
Two protesters arrested at Calgary ‘Reading with Royalty’ event - Calgary | Globalnews.caCPS said they took an adult female protester into custody after she pulled the fire alarm and an adult male was arrested for breaching bail conditions. yyc
Read more »
Iranians in Winnipeg doubt claims that thousands of protesters have been pardoned | CBC NewsIranians in Winnipeg say they don't believe a claim from the head of Iran's judiciary that thousands of people arrested in anti-government protests have been pardoned.
Read more »