Protests, clashes in France after Macron forces through pension reform

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron ordered his prime minister to wield a special constitutional power Thursday that skirts parliament to force through a highly unpopular bill raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 without a vote. His calculated risk set off a clamor among lawmakers, who began singing the national anthem even before Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne arrived in the lower chamber. She spoke forcefully over their shouts, acknowledging that Macron’s unilateral move will trigger quick motions of no-confidence in his government. -- More...

???????? Hundreds of French people gathered outside the National Assembly in Paris to protest against the pension reform, chanting "Macron - resign" pic.twitter.com/nDPxuvqa3q

— marina alikantes (@Marianna9110) March 16, 2023

NOW - Protests, clashes in France after Macron forces through pension reform, shunning parliament.pic.twitter.com/6aoG3QBalC

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 16, 2023

FRANCE - Macron has gone against his own parliament and his own people, to trigger Article 49.3, in the tradition of all dictators. He thinks he knows best!

This is the response. In the end the people will choose liberté ????

pic.twitter.com/Wmdld51PbC

— Bernie's Tweets (@BernieSpofforth) March 16, 2023