Stephane Burgatt (correspondent in Marseille) 1:37 p.m., January 19, 2023
Everywhere in France, demonstrators are preparing to pound the pavement against the pension reform.
In Marseille, the mobilization has already begun.
The exact number of people has not yet been counted, but the procession stretched as far as the eye could see.
REPORTAGE
The day of mobilization against the pension reform is in full swing.
In Marseille, the procession stretches as far as the eye can see and marches peacefully.
For the moment, no figures have been communicated on the number of demonstrators in the second city of France.
"Retirement soon, it will be for the state"
The rejection of the reform is total among the demonstrators: "I work at 40 meters high on beams, I walk on beams. I will not be able to do this for very long, it is not possible. I have already hard to work. Last year, I had a heart attack. I don't want to die at work", explains an electrician at the microphone of Europe 1.
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"I only had five years left. There, I am still being added to it. Soon retirement will be for the State! I would have contributed all my life for the State but I will never benefit from it" , he continues.
"Why do it? Work and die?"
Demonstrators of all ages were able to meet students and retirees in solidarity, like Fabienne: "It touches me enormously. How can we not be touched? I am retired and I have time so I I will demonstrate in solidarity for others."
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"There are people who die before retirement. At 62, they are exhausted and they die. They have worked all their lives. Why do it? Work and die? Work, consume and die? No!" she tears in her voice.
Politicians also demonstrated like Benoît Payan, various left-wing mayor of Marseille and former local deputy Jean-Luc Mélenchon.