The Facts
On Friday, France’s Constitutional Council approved a plan to raise the retirement age to 64, in a victory for Pres. Emmanuel Macron after three months of mass protests over the legislation.
Protesters gathered outside Paris City Hall, with most chanting peacefully while some set a garbage bin on fire. Unions and Macron’s political opponents vowed to maintain pressure on the government to withdraw the bill, and activists threatened further protests for Saturday.
The Spin
Narrative A
Macron is aware of the political backlash that his pension plan brings, but he's standing firm and making difficult decisions to secure France’s future. He has also reached out to opponents to hear their concerns, but they have refused to engage in dialogue, using this to divide France and cause trouble as Macron attempts to protect pensions long-term.
Narrative B
Macron’s government has defied the will of the French people, and it should have fallen. The grassroots support shows how much Macron’s constituents oppose his policy, and to make matters worse, he used undemocratic means to advance his unpopular pension reform. French democracy looks more like a farce each day, and Macron’s government doesn't represent the people.