A day of mobilization « massive » et ” popular “. After three months of fighting against the pension reform, the trade unions, still united, hope that this May 1st, International Workers’ Day, will be “historic”, ” a tsunami “ in the street. They are still calling for the withdrawal of the text which brings the legal retirement age to 64, validated by the Constitutional Council.
Pension reform: why Macron wants to impose it
The last unitary May Day dates back to 2009, in the face of the financial crisis. Before that the unions had also united in 2002, after the accession of Jean-Marie Le Pen to the second round of the presidential election. This time, some 300 gatherings are announced in the country and air traffic promises to be very disrupted with between 25 and 33% of flights canceled at the largest French airports.
The sequel after the ad
In the capital, the procession will set off at 2 p.m. from Place de la République to Place de la Nation. “It will be family, festive”promised the number one of the CGT Sophie Binet, stressing that the Paris parade would have “a particular size” with the presence “of trade unionists from all over the world” in support. Laurent Berger, who announced his departure from the head of the CFDT on June 21, said he hoped “a great popular celebration against 64 years, for the dignity of the world of work”.
The authorities are counting on 500 to 650,000 people throughout the territory, including 80 to 100,000 in Paris. In the capital, 1,500 to 3,000 are expected “yellow vests” and 1,000 to 2,000 individuals ” at risk “, from a police source. 12,000 police and gendarmes will be mobilized, including 5,000 in Paris.
Two dates in mind
After the validation by the Constitutional Council of the essentials of the reform on April 14, the inter-union has its sights set on two dates:
- On May 3, when the Elders will vote on a second request for a shared initiative referendum (RIP);
- On June 8, when a bill from the group of Liot deputies repealing the reform will be on the menu of the Assembly.
In the street – as in the polls – the anger remains strong: in addition to two days in the form of “heating tower” on April 20 and 28 with actions focused on transport or work accidents at the initiative of the CGT, the « casserolades » disrupt the movements of the executive, head of state included.
The sequel after the ad
Pans, boos… Macron and his ministers heckled with each trip since the pension reform
At the same time, Laurent Berger’s decision, although expected, surprised by its timing. The leaders of the other unions immediately stressed that this would not change the situation, in particular because his designated successor, Marylise Léon, is on the same line.
The government wants to believe in the “baroud d’honneur”
Within the government, some want to believe “that we spent the most in terms of protest” and that this May 1st “perhaps the last stand of the interprofessional” even if the « casserolades » should in particular ” continue “.
Emmanuel Macron gave himself on April 17 “100 Days of Peace” to try to revive his five-year term. Its Prime Minister, Elisabeth Borne, will send invitations to the unions ” next week “, according to Matignon. A test for their unity? “We are going to talk about it in the inter-union on May 2 and we are going to decide together what action we will take”said Sophie Binet on Friday, repeating that“there will be no return to normal if there is no withdrawal from the reform”.
