March 18 () –
This Saturday new demonstrations have begun throughout France to protest against the pension reform imposed by the Government of President Emmanuel Macron and presented on Thursday resorting to Article 49.3 of the Constitution, which implies the approval of any norm as long as it is not imposed a motion of no confidence.
The day in Paris is marked by a controversial ban on demonstrations in the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysees due to the risk to public order and security, according to the authorities, quoted by BFMTV television.
The source consulted has warned that people who try to gather in these areas will be evicted and probably fined if they break the ban.
Instead, protesters have broken into the Halles shopping center in the French capital. Videos posted on social media show protesters entering the mall’s premises despite opposition from security guards.
Within the framework of these protests, the union (General Confederation of Workers (CGT)) has reported the closure of the Total Energies refinery in Normandy. “The refineries go on strike one after the other. The movement promises to be greater than that of October 2022. In addition to the oil depots they are on strike! FILL THE TANK!”, the union has published on Twitter.
A new appointment is scheduled for Monday to debate the text of the reform with the leading role once again in Los Republicanos, whose support could lead to the approval of a motion of no confidence against the Macron government.
There have also been mobilizations with thousands of attendees in cities such as Marseille, Toulouse, Nantes or Gap. In Marseille, 1,500 attendees have been counted in the General De Gaulle square, according to the Police. In Nantes there have been almost 9,000 attendees, according to ‘Ouest France’.
From the opposition they continue to criticize the Government, which they even say is “not respecting the constitution” and “governing against the people”, in the words of the deputy of La France Unsubmissive Antoine Léaument.
