France: after a new successful union mobilization, the macronie is closing ranks

A banner unfurled during the Parisian demonstration against the pension reform, January 31, 2023. © AP / Christophe Ena

Text by: RFI Follow

3 mins

In France, the news marked by this record mobilization against the pension reform.

We had not seen that for more than ten years, 2 and a half million people in the streets according to the inter-union, half less according to the Ministry of the Interior.

Beyond the battle of figures, an observation, the mobilization yesterday was massive and on the rise everywhere in the country.

Opposite, the macronie is closing ranks. 

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More mobilization in the big cities, in Paris, Marseille, Nantes or Rennes, but also in smaller cities where we had not demonstrated ten days ago.

More demonstrators therefore, but fewer personnel on strike on the other hand, in the National Education for example: 23% of strikers against 35% during the previous mobilization.

Same thing in transport or in energy, despite disturbances all the same.

► to read also: mobilization on the rise, new demonstrations in sight against the pension reform

All these French people in the street have not gone unnoticed in the eye of the government.

Elizabeth Borne reacted in a tweet last night, she said she " 

" raised by the reform, but said she wanted to "stay the course" and wait for the text to be examined in the hemicycle from next Monday.

The pension reform raises questions and doubts.

We hear them.

The parliamentary debate opens.

It will allow, in transparency, to enrich our project with a goal: to ensure the future of our pay-as-you-go system.

It is our responsibility!

— Elisabeth BORNE (@Elisabeth_Borne) January 31, 2023

Faced with the discontent and before the arrival of the text under debate in the hemicycle of the Assembly, the executive calls on its troops to close ranks while several voices from Macronie demand adjustments to the text.

Elisabeth Borne made it known directly to the deputies of the presidential camp.

You had to make yourself available and be on time for the photo in front of the cameras.

Elisabeth Borne summoned the Macronist deputies on Tuesday with a clear message: the majority must be united.

A call in the form of a warning from the Prime Minister, as explained by Sylvain Maillard, the vice-president of the Renaissance group, at the microphone of

 of the political service: "

”, on the project. 

Elisabeth Borne opens the door to amendments to the text.

On seniors and on taking maternity into account, the government will move, slips a Renaissance executive.

This is precisely what several deputies of the majority are demanding, such as the Modem deputy Philippe Vigier, who is not completely reassured.

“

" 

Macronie should not have any slingers on pensions but will not escape days of anguish.

Faced with the thousands of amendments tabled by the opposition, "

", loose a walking deputy.

New calls for mobilization

The unions have unanimously called for mobilization again on Tuesday, February 7, the day after the opening of the debate in the Assembly, in the hope of the unions, influencing the speech of certain deputies. 

Another appointment was also set for 4 days later.

A Saturday this time, at the request of the CFDT union, to allow all citizens who cannot afford to put down a day's work or go on strike, to be able to take to the streets. 

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• French politics