News / Politics
French Trade Unions Hold Day of Demonstrations to Protest Changes to Pension System
An estimated 700,000 people attended protests and demonstrations throughout France on Thursday calling for President Nicolas Sarkozy to end his plans for state pension system reforms.
Paris was flooded with trade union members who have been critical of Sarkozy’s call to increase the number of years worked to receive a full pension. Sarkozy is in favor of pushing that number from 40 to 41.
The demonstrations caused transportation problems throughout France as national workers joined other demonstrators who have taken exception to several moves by Sarkozy’s government that have targeted workers.
Sarkozy has also been criticized for plans to cut public workers, among them being teachers. According to government plans, retiring teachers would not be replaced; a move that has upset teachers and students alike.
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