French Government Unveils Plan to Raise Retirement Age to 64
New York TimesNov 25, 2022
The Facts
France is preparing for a "Black Thursday" general strike this week, as unions have called for a "massive mobilization" in protest against government changes to pensions.
The government is attempting to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. The general strike, which is supported by many political parties, including The Greens, The French Communists, The Socialists, and the France Unbowed party, would happen across multiple sectors — the first time the eight main unions have united fully in 12 years.
The Spin
Left narrative
The determination and spirit shown by the unions and the left-leaning parties are not just an ideological attack against Macron's policies, but also a preemptive strike against the threat of Marine Le Pen's far-right politics. The risk of the Rassemblement National is on everyone's mind, and to fight against such danger via strikes and protests is no longer a moral struggle but a moral obligation.
Right narrative
While the central parties, with the help of the left, seek to use the strikes to pressure the government, there’s no guarantee of success. Much is dependent on whether the unions will decide to follow up on their protests, which will only be decided on the evening of the demonstrations.
