A disguised protestor holding a placard reading "Let's defend our very special pension regimes" poses before a demonstration, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023 in Paris. French workers angry over proposed changes to retirement rules are halting high-speed trains, disrupting electricity supplies and taking to the streets Thursday in a day of nationwide strikes and protests seen as a major test for Emmanuel Macron and his presidency. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly)
France Pension Protests
PARIS (AP) — Workers in many French cities took to the streets Thursday to reject proposed pension changes that would push back the retirement age The day of nationwide strikes and protests is seen as a big test for President Emmanuel Macron. Demonstrations gathered thousands of people in cities across the country as strikes severely disrupted transport, schools and other public services. French workers would have to work longer before receiving a pension under the new rules — with the nominal retirement age rising from 62 to 64. The country has long life expectancy and everyone receives a state pension. Macron’s government says the reform is the only way to keep the system solvent. Unions argue the plan threatens hard-fought workers’ rights.
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