Stéphane Burgatt, with AFP, edited by Julia Solans / Photo credit: Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP 14:37 pm, April 20, 2023

President Emmanuel Macron was greeted by the distant sound of pots and pans in Ganges, Hérault, while a visit to Louise Michel College is planned. This trip, devoted to education, is a new opportunity for disgruntled French people to express themselves on the subject of pension reform.

An arrival to the sound of pans and all utensils that can emit noise. Present at the Louise Michel college in Ganges since the end of the morning, Emmanuel Macron talks with teachers, students and parents of students. The Head of State has indeed made education one of his priorities at the end of his last speech.

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A hunt for pots and pans by the police

In the city center, a noisy procession quickly formed using pots and pans and other kitchen utensils to welcome Emmanuel Macron. However, the disgruntled French did not have the opportunity to approach the college because of the blockade led by the police. Pans and pans have even been confiscated by gendarmes while a prefectural decree prohibits "portable sound devices".

More than 600 people gathered to express their discontent. Among them, citizens particularly revolted by this pot hunt and any element deemed disturbing. "This morning I was forbidden to return with a sign. Everything is complete. He is afraid of what?" said Hélène, a retired teacher, before blaming a lack of democracy.

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"We still see it as a contempt"

The barricades to prevent the French from approaching the college did not prevent them from being heard. Some even climbed to the top of the war memorial. For some local elected officials, the non-invitation of the head of state is a new affront. "We weren't even invited to meet with the president. So for us, we still see it as a contempt," says Regis Bayle, the socialist president of the intercommunality.