Amid pension reforms, Spontaneous protests broke out in Paris

On Friday, spontaneous demonstrations against the controversial pension reform proposed by the government continued in Paris.

As they did on Thursday, thousands of people gathered in Place de la Concorde square next to the National Assembly after President Emmanuel Macron pushed through the divisive pension reforms without a parliamentary vote.

Although police used tear gas to disperse the gathering and put an end to the chaos, protesters held signs. However, at least 38 people had been detained.

Concern over Macron and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne’s plan to rely on Article 49.3 of the Constitution has grown among workers and trade unions. The final draft of the measure was scheduled to be brought up for parliamentary approval after being approved by the Senate.

Yet, in order to avoid the parliamentary procedure, Macron and Borne chose to exercise their exceptional constitutional powers.

Due to the fact that the government does not have an absolute majority, the decision was motivated by concern that parliamentarians could thwart the reforms.

The changes include a 62-year-old retirement age increase to 64 in 2030 and a 43-year minimum work requirement for full pension eligibility.

Since the idea was made public last year, there have been several protests and strikes taking place all around the nation since January.