Maximilien Carlier (in Douai), edited by Laura Laplaud 2:05 p.m., February 7, 2023
1.3 million demonstrators were registered last week in France, according to the authorities.
A level to cross or at least to equal for the trade unions.
Except that in this third act of mobilization against the pension reform, the demonstration seems to bring together the French a little less, even if they say they are ready to remain mobilized.
Example in Douai in the North of France.
On this day of the third mobilization against the pension reform, the procession seems a little less provided in Douai, in the north of France.
In this city of 400,000 inhabitants, there are approximately 3,000 to 3,500 people mobilized, a thousand fewer people compared to last week.
Among the demonstrators, Philippe, a teacher, who agrees that there are fewer people in the street.
"I was still surprised by the crowd. Even if there are a little fewer people than last time, there are still people. People remain mobilized, we can feel that they are determined ."
>> Find Europe Matin in replay and podcast here
Keep up the pressure on the street
For opponents of the reform, the stakes are high: to match the strong mobilization of January 31 when 1.3 million demonstrators had been identified by the authorities, against 2.3 million according to the CGT.
But going on strike also has an impact on the wallets of the French.
It does not matter for Agnès who assures her, "if it is necessary to do [strikes] ten, I will do ten".
"It's costing me a lot, I'm going to lose around 280 euros, it's huge. We'll eat pasta, we have a little money aside, we'll use it. I'm ready to continue", assures- she at the microphone of Europe 1. Most of the demonstrators present will leave Douai to go to Lille where the regional mobilization will take place.