Protests In France

Protests have been erupting in the cities of France since March, 2023 in opposition to the new pension reforms. As per the reform, the age of retirement has been upped from 62 to 64 years. French people are known for their unperturbed lifestyle even as France is one of the highly productive European nations. People in France log in fewer hours at work in comparison to other countries and they take more holidays.  

However, the country is seeing an inflation of 6.2 per cent which is its highest in decades. And since the new pension reforms, it has seen waves of protests and strikes as French residents are revolting over President Macron’s use of the emergency presidential decree to bring about the rise in pension age. Major services have been halted as protestors have taken to voice their disapproval. It is setting forth a difficult period in the nation. It goes to show that even the most developed of nations isn’t immune to rocky protests especially when their citizens feel undermined. 

Whether it is a rise in pension age, lack of climate action, unequal pay or even the death of an innocent at the hands of the morality police, it is understandable that people are prone to be agitated, angry and irked over the power dissonance in politics. Such dissonance puts constituents at the mercy of the authority whether it is governmental or elitist. Those in influential positions govern and rule which is why when they fail they are subject to the public’s discontent. As a result of which the public takes it to the street with protests that have to be disrupted through tear gas, water jets and even arrests.

 What makes people disgruntled with the system? The answer could likely be an unwelcome change in governmental and private protocols, unaccountability, pervasive injustice and even negligence in the duties and responsibilities.  As seen in Iran, girls and women took to the streets against the injustice done towards Masha Amini through the hands of the morality police. Iran which is a nation with strict rules and regulations saw its citizens of the fairer gender protest vehemently. Enough is enough they said. However, it led to arrests, deaths and threats against the protestors who in majority were women. Till date, the government is unlikely to budge even as there is a growing unrest in the nation. 

While the democratic nations usually see peaceful protests as a form of activism, the agitation and the overall ambience is lately simmering. As observed among the citizens of developed nations such as United States, United Kingdom, and France, etc., there is a growing sense of discontent. In the US, there are protests against gun violence as well as bias and discrimination against the African Americans and minorities. In the UK, the health care workers such as nurses and paramedics alike are seen protesting against the lack of adequate pays and facilities. 

The beauty of democracy is that it ensures a chance to be seen and heard. And when people march in peaceful protests it is by principle an example of rebellion without resorting to violence. However, the increasing rage and vandalism throughout the world is a cause of concern which is why it is important that governments worldwide prioritise welfare of their constituents.