<p>French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned protesters banging saucepans and pots during his speeches, saying that such actions will not help France move forward. Pot-banging is an old tradition in France to register protests, and it was seen during Macron's recent address to the nation after he signed the pension reform bill into law over the weekend. Macron said that the reality across France was not just those making noise with pots or grumbling.</p>

<h2><strong>Macron tours rural France to calm the tensions</strong></h2>

<p>Political opponents and trade unions have urged protesters to bolster their campaign against the law, and a new day of mass protest has been called for on May 1. Macron has been touring the country hoping to calm the tensions and turn the page on his unpopular pension reform, which provides for hiking the retirement age from 62 to 64.</p>

<p><strong>Watch</strong>:&nbsp;<strong>France pension reforms: Emmanuel Macron to address France amid pension chaos&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>During his visit to the wood factory in Muttersholtz on Wednesday, Macron also said that he would always be with people and that he has to keep going. He made very few public appearances during the three months after announcing the deeply unpopular pension reform.</p>

<p>Wednesday saw massive protests by members of Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) and Confédération Française Démocratique du Travail (CFDT) trade unions in front of the mayor’s office in Muttersholtz, where the French President began his tour of rural France. The objective of his tour is to gain acceptance of&nbsp;his pension reforms.</p>

<h2><strong>Police and demonstrators come face to face</strong></h2>

<p>Demonstrators were seen banging frying pans as well as pan lids and horns. The pension reform signed into law by Macron has been the subject of fury and protests for the past three months. The government used an executive order to push through the law, bypassing a vote in parliament.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-says-he-hears-peoples-anger-but-defends-pension-law-583545">French President Macron says he hears people's anger but defends pension law</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite Macron's efforts to calm tensions, sporadic protests have continued in Paris and other cities, with small groups gathering at night and burning bins after dark. Following massive protests on Wednesday, French police had to use force to move protestors 200 metres away from the village where Macron was visiting.</p>

<h2><strong>Unions and workers to boost anti-govt protests</strong></h2>

<p>As Macron makes further visits across the country this week, unions have planned more protests. These scenes are reminiscent of the president’s travels around France during the yellow-vest protests of 2018-19 when Macron was frequently confronted by angry hecklers. The next nationwide trade union-led demonstrations will be on Labor Day on May 1.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a free climber known as the "French Spiderman" climbed a 38-story skyscraper in Paris to protest the raising of the pension age. Alain Robert, 60, climbed without a harness, using only his bare hands and a pair of climbing shoes. "I’m here to show my support for those who oppose the pension reform," he said before starting his ascent of the 150-metre skyscraper in the capital’s La Défense business district.</p>

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French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned protesters banging saucepans and pots during his speeches, saying that such actions will not help France move forward.

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned protesters banging saucepans and pots during his speeches, saying that such actions will not help France move forward. Pot-banging is an old tradition in France to register protests, and it was seen during Macron's recent address to the nation after he signed the pension reform bill into law over the weekend. Macron said that the reality across France was not just those making noise with pots or grumbling. Macron tours rural France to calm the tensions Political opponents and trade unions have urged protesters to bolster their campaign against the law, and a new day of mass protest has been called for on May 1. Macron has been touring the country hoping to calm the tensions and turn the page on his unpopular pension reform, which provides for hiking the retirement age from 62 to 64. Watch: France pension reforms: Emmanuel Macron to address France amid pension chaos × During his visit to the wood factory in Muttersholtz on Wednesday, Macron also said that he would always be with people and that he has to keep going. He made very few public appearances during the three months after announcing the deeply unpopular pension reform. Wednesday saw massive protests by members of Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) and Confédération Française Démocratique du Travail (CFDT) trade unions in front of the mayor’s office in Muttersholtz, where the French President began his tour of rural France. The objective of his tour is to gain acceptance of his pension reforms. Police and demonstrators come face to face Demonstrators were seen banging frying pans as well as pan lids and horns. The pension reform signed into law by Macron has been the subject of fury and protests for the past three months. The government used an executive order to push through the law, bypassing a vote in parliament. Also Read | French President Macron says he hears people's anger but defends pension law Despite Macron's efforts to calm tensions, sporadic protests have continued in Paris and other cities, with small groups gathering at night and burning bins after dark. Following massive protests on Wednesday, French police had to use force to move protestors 200 metres away from the village where Macron was visiting. Unions and workers to boost anti-govt protests As Macron makes further visits across the country this week, unions have planned more protests. These scenes are reminiscent of the president’s travels around France during the yellow-vest protests of 2018-19 when Macron was frequently confronted by angry hecklers. The next nationwide trade union-led demonstrations will be on Labor Day on May 1. Meanwhile, a free climber known as the "French Spiderman" climbed a 38-story skyscraper in Paris to protest the raising of the pension age. Alain Robert, 60, climbed without a harness, using only his bare hands and a pair of climbing shoes. "I’m here to show my support for those who oppose the pension reform," he said before starting his ascent of the 150-metre skyscraper in the capital’s La Défense business district. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

President Macron condemns saucepan-banging protests as he tours rural France to calm tensions

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron's government on Monday narrowly survived two no-confidence motions in the parliament. The nation's 577 National Assembly rejected the motion brought by the centrist LIOT coalition by a very narrow margin. 278 MPs voted in favour of the tripartisan bill&nbsp;— nine less than the 287 needed for the motion to succeed.</p>

<p>A second no-confidence motion, tabled by the far-right National Rally (RN), also failed, gathering only 94 votes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;France: Protests continue over pension reforms, garbage collectors extend strike</strong></p>

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<p>The result comes as a relief for Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and President Macron. A successful no-confidence vote would have sunk the government and would have killed the deeply unpopular legislation which seeks to raise the retirement age by two years to 64.</p>

<p>However, the relief could prove to be short-lived. As per Reuters, unions and protestors have vowed to carry on strikes and protests which in recent days have rocked the European nation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/resign-france-protests-escalate-as-govt-pushes-through-pension-change-without-vote-572931">'Resign': France protests escalate as govt&nbsp;pushes through pension change without vote</a></strong></p>

<p>Lawmakers from the hard left La France Insoumise (LFI, France Unbowed) were heard shouting "Resign!" at Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. They also brandished placards that read: "We'll meet in the streets," reports Reuters.</p>

<p>The pension reform has severely affected President Emmanuel Macron's personal ratings, bringing them to their lowest levels since the height of the 2019 protests. A survey on Sunday showed that Macron's approval ratings have tanked to a low, with only 28 per cent of the respondents viewing him in a positive light.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-union-members-police-clash-over-emmanuel-macrons-controversial-pension-reform-plan-573214">French union members, police clash over Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reforms</a></strong></p>

<p>A new round of protests, as per AFP, has been called across France on Thursday. These protests are expected to affect France's public transport severely, once again bringing it to a standstill. Government insiders and observers have raised fears that France may once again be heading towards a bout of anti-government protests like the "Yellow Vest" ones that hit the nation from 2018 to 2019.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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French President Emmanuel Macron's government on Monday narrowly survived two no-confidence motions in the parliament. The nation's 577 National Assembly rejected the motion brought by the centrist LIOT coalition by a very narrow margin.

French President Emmanuel Macron's government on Monday narrowly survived two no-confidence motions in the parliament. The nation's 577 National Assembly rejected the motion brought by the centrist LIOT coalition by a very narrow margin. 278 MPs voted in favour of the tripartisan bill — nine less than the 287 needed for the motion to succeed. A second no-confidence motion, tabled by the far-right National Rally (RN), also failed, gathering only 94 votes. Watch | France: Protests continue over pension reforms, garbage collectors extend strike The result comes as a relief for Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and President Macron. A successful no-confidence vote would have sunk the government and would have killed the deeply unpopular legislation which seeks to raise the retirement age by two years to 64. However, the relief could prove to be short-lived. As per Reuters, unions and protestors have vowed to carry on strikes and protests which in recent days have rocked the European nation. Also read | 'Resign': France protests escalate as govt pushes through pension change without vote Lawmakers from the hard left La France Insoumise (LFI, France Unbowed) were heard shouting "Resign!" at Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. They also brandished placards that read: "We'll meet in the streets," reports Reuters. The pension reform has severely affected President Emmanuel Macron's personal ratings, bringing them to their lowest levels since the height of the 2019 protests. A survey on Sunday showed that Macron's approval ratings have tanked to a low, with only 28 per cent of the respondents viewing him in a positive light. Also read | French union members, police clash over Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reforms A new round of protests, as per AFP, has been called across France on Thursday. These protests are expected to affect France's public transport severely, once again bringing it to a standstill. Government insiders and observers have raised fears that France may once again be heading towards a bout of anti-government protests like the "Yellow Vest" ones that hit the nation from 2018 to 2019. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We'll meet in the streets': Macron's government narrowly survives no-confidence vote over pension reform

<p>French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017.&nbsp;The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties. WION examines what is&nbsp;at risk for the president, the unions, and the nation as a whole as labour unions attempt to "put the country to a standstill."</p>

<h2><strong>Macron's pension reform: What is the plan?</strong></h2>

<p>In order to put France more in line with its European Union&nbsp;(EU) neighbours, most of which have raised the retirement age to 65 or higher, Macron's flagship plan would raise the minimum retirement age from its present level of 62 to 64, as reported by the Associated Press.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The measure also tightens the criteria for receiving a full pension and limits perks enjoyed by some public-sector workers, including those working for the Paris Metro.</p>

<p>The administration now emphasises that it is more about savings after stating previously&nbsp;that it was meant to make the system fairer.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇫🇷 Gigantic demonstration in Marseille against the pension reform. <a href="https://t.co/tpmUsml9RM">pic.twitter.com/tpmUsml9RM</a></p>
— 𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙰𝙶𝙰𝙸𝙽𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚅𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙸𝙽𝙴 (@72powpow) <a href="https://twitter.com/72powpow/status/1633069703924183041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The status quo in the next 10 years means 150 billion euros [$160 billion] of accumulated deficits and a fall in the quality of life of pensioners," Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt said at the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The revisions, which would also result in minor hikes for the lowest pensions, are expected to take effect in September 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who are against pension reforms?</strong></h2>

<p>The trade unions in France have planned five different protest days so far, but on Tuesday (March 7), they'll pick up the pace, and the possibility of rolling strikes could have serious consequences in the days to come, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their major issue is that, in comparison to university graduates, unskilled people who frequently toil in physically taxing jobs and start their careers early are being&nbsp;penalised by the reforms.</p>

<p><img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df314e76-3141-471d-93ba-72310130465f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20%2838%29.png" /></p>

<p><em><strong>A cyclist passes by a banner that reads, ' Retirement at... raise fist strike, blockage, Macron get out' during protests in Montpellier, southern France on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP</strong></em></p>

<p>They also dispute the government's claim that the pay-as-you-go pension system faces impending deficits, arguing that modest increases in contributions may prevent this from happening.</p>

<p>The unions have the support of both the Socialists and Greens as well as the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) political party, which wants to cut the retirement age to 60.</p>

<p>In addition to opposing the reform, Marine Le Pen's far-right party is also troubled by proposals to impose rolling strikes in France.</p>

<p>A host of left-wing scholars have also voiced disapproval, particularly famous economist Thomas Piketty, who views Macron as strengthening his reputation as "the president of the rich," as per AFP reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How do the strikes affect Macron?</strong></h2>

<p>During his first term, Macron attempted to advance pension reform but was unsuccessful. In April, during his re-election campaign, Macron brought up the subject once more.</p>

<p>Running on a similar pro-business platform, he beat Le Pen by promising to reduce unemployment and force the French to "work harder" in order to pay for the nation's social security system.</p>

<p>Political experts disagree, though, and Macron himself conceded in his victory speech that many people had supported him just to protect Le Pen from winning the presidency.</p>

<p><img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="292fbbc5-958d-4eef-ae4c-d61a17ef664a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20%2839%29.png" /></p>

<p><em><strong>CGT unionists take part in a demonstration on the Vieux Port (Old Harbour) in Marseille on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP</strong></em></p>

<p>The 45-year-old has moved forward despite concerns from allies about the timing of the change so soon after the COVID-19 outbreak and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.</p>

<p>"For Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron, pulling back would be an abdication," senior right-wing senator Bruno Retailleau, who supports the reform, told AFP.&nbsp;"If he pulled back, he couldn't reform anymore, his term would be over," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Are these protests common in France?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Since reforms occur in France without opposition, the administration is&nbsp;bracing itself for a rough road since the onset of the protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The labour movement's accomplishments over the past century are viewed by left-wingers as being under attack whenever there is an attempt to limit workers' rights, whether it be through reduced working hours, generous pensions, or protected employment contracts.</p>

<p>The 2010 demonstrations, when right-wing president Nicolas Sarkozy increased the retirement age from 60 to 62, may end up being eclipsed by the current ones.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🤬🇫🇷 Police throw TEAR GAS at protesters as they block highways and trucks all across France, just the beginning of full-scale demonstrations in country expected today, March 7, over government’s pension reform. <a href="https://t.co/4MYdxZLzNq">pic.twitter.com/4MYdxZLzNq</a></p>
— Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) <a href="https://twitter.com/Xx17965797N/status/1633046148788150274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>They surpass those of 1995, when the government was compelled to do the infamous U-turn on pensions, and are also larger.</p>

<p>The emergence of working from home and modern technologies has lessened interruptions, so the impact of Tuesday's stoppages is different.</p>

<h2><strong>What to expect next?</strong></h2>

<p>The government's plan is simple: push the law through parliament as quickly as possible and win approval by the middle of this month, or at the latest by March 26, as examined by AFP.</p>

<p>Macron's centrist party does not currently hold a majority in the National Assembly, but it should be able to rely on support from the right-wing Republican party to gain the required majorities in both houses.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017. The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties.

French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017. The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties. WION examines what is at risk for the president, the unions, and the nation as a whole as labour unions attempt to "put the country to a standstill." Macron's pension reform: What is the plan? In order to put France more in line with its European Union (EU) neighbours, most of which have raised the retirement age to 65 or higher, Macron's flagship plan would raise the minimum retirement age from its present level of 62 to 64, as reported by the Associated Press. The measure also tightens the criteria for receiving a full pension and limits perks enjoyed by some public-sector workers, including those working for the Paris Metro. The administration now emphasises that it is more about savings after stating previously that it was meant to make the system fairer. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media. 🇫🇷 Gigantic demonstration in Marseille against the pension reform. pic.twitter.com/tpmUsml9RM — 𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙰𝙶𝙰𝙸𝙽𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚅𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙸𝙽𝙴 (@72powpow) March 7, 2023 × "The status quo in the next 10 years means 150 billion euros [$160 billion] of accumulated deficits and a fall in the quality of life of pensioners," Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt said at the weekend. The revisions, which would also result in minor hikes for the lowest pensions, are expected to take effect in September 2023. Who are against pension reforms? The trade unions in France have planned five different protest days so far, but on Tuesday (March 7), they'll pick up the pace, and the possibility of rolling strikes could have serious consequences in the days to come, as reported by AFP. Their major issue is that, in comparison to university graduates, unskilled people who frequently toil in physically taxing jobs and start their careers early are being penalised by the reforms. A cyclist passes by a banner that reads, ' Retirement at... raise fist strike, blockage, Macron get out' during protests in Montpellier, southern France on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP They also dispute the government's claim that the pay-as-you-go pension system faces impending deficits, arguing that modest increases in contributions may prevent this from happening. The unions have the support of both the Socialists and Greens as well as the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) political party, which wants to cut the retirement age to 60. In addition to opposing the reform, Marine Le Pen's far-right party is also troubled by proposals to impose rolling strikes in France. A host of left-wing scholars have also voiced disapproval, particularly famous economist Thomas Piketty, who views Macron as strengthening his reputation as "the president of the rich," as per AFP reports. How do the strikes affect Macron? During his first term, Macron attempted to advance pension reform but was unsuccessful. In April, during his re-election campaign, Macron brought up the subject once more. Running on a similar pro-business platform, he beat Le Pen by promising to reduce unemployment and force the French to "work harder" in order to pay for the nation's social security system. Political experts disagree, though, and Macron himself conceded in his victory speech that many people had supported him just to protect Le Pen from winning the presidency. CGT unionists take part in a demonstration on the Vieux Port (Old Harbour) in Marseille on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP The 45-year-old has moved forward despite concerns from allies about the timing of the change so soon after the COVID-19 outbreak and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. "For Emmanuel Macron, pulling back would be an abdication," senior right-wing senator Bruno Retailleau, who supports the reform, told AFP. "If he pulled back, he couldn't reform anymore, his term would be over," he added. Are these protests common in France? Since reforms occur in France without opposition, the administration is bracing itself for a rough road since the onset of the protests. The labour movement's accomplishments over the past century are viewed by left-wingers as being under attack whenever there is an attempt to limit workers' rights, whether it be through reduced working hours, generous pensions, or protected employment contracts. The 2010 demonstrations, when right-wing president Nicolas Sarkozy increased the retirement age from 60 to 62, may end up being eclipsed by the current ones. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media. 🤬🇫🇷 Police throw TEAR GAS at protesters as they block highways and trucks all across France, just the beginning of full-scale demonstrations in country expected today, March 7, over government’s pension reform. pic.twitter.com/4MYdxZLzNq — Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) March 7, 2023 × They surpass those of 1995, when the government was compelled to do the infamous U-turn on pensions, and are also larger. The emergence of working from home and modern technologies has lessened interruptions, so the impact of Tuesday's stoppages is different. What to expect next? The government's plan is simple: push the law through parliament as quickly as possible and win approval by the middle of this month, or at the latest by March 26, as examined by AFP. Macron's centrist party does not currently hold a majority in the National Assembly, but it should be able to rely on support from the right-wing Republican party to gain the required majorities in both houses. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: It is Macron vs. labour unions, what could be the implications of these strikes for France?

Thousands of demonstrators, most of them unionists, filled Paris' streets on Wednesday (January 29) in protest of the French government's planned pensions overhaul, claiming the movement has fallen to President Emmanuel Macron's deaf ears.

Thousands march in Paris against pension reform as support for movement stays strong