02:31France: 'It does not represent us' - Students protest as govt forces through pension reforms in Paris
Student groups joined those voicing their opposition to the government’s decision to force through pension changes without a vote, as thousands took to the streets of Paris on Thursday.
"Angry no because I'm not surprised," said one demonstrator, Henry. "There are lots of laws that are passed like it. … If had been to go through a vote, we would have been disappointed by the Assembly, but hey it is already the case, it does not represent us."
Footage shows students and others marching with flags and banners, with riot police, including armed officers, also on the scene.
Earlier, President Emmanuel Macron decided to use executive privilege to pass his pension reforms without a vote in the National Assembly.
"The government is in the minority on this reform since we know that it is played out in a few ways. This is why we are going to the National Assembly to make our voice heard," said Eleonore Schmitt, a member of L’Alternative political party.
The Senate passed the proposals by 193-144, which increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.
However, the vote in the lower house, the National Assembly, was withdrawn at the last minute, with the result believed to be too close to call.
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne then announced the triggering of Article 49.3, the special constitutional power, to pass the legislation.
Regular demonstrations and strikes against the bill have taken place in recent months, with rallies expected to intensify following the use of the executive power.
02:31Student groups joined those voicing their opposition to the government’s decision to force through pension changes without a vote, as thousands took to the streets of Paris on Thursday.
"Angry no because I'm not surprised," said one demonstrator, Henry. "There are lots of laws that are passed like it. … If had been to go through a vote, we would have been disappointed by the Assembly, but hey it is already the case, it does not represent us."
Footage shows students and others marching with flags and banners, with riot police, including armed officers, also on the scene.
Earlier, President Emmanuel Macron decided to use executive privilege to pass his pension reforms without a vote in the National Assembly.
"The government is in the minority on this reform since we know that it is played out in a few ways. This is why we are going to the National Assembly to make our voice heard," said Eleonore Schmitt, a member of L’Alternative political party.
The Senate passed the proposals by 193-144, which increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.
However, the vote in the lower house, the National Assembly, was withdrawn at the last minute, with the result believed to be too close to call.
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne then announced the triggering of Article 49.3, the special constitutional power, to pass the legislation.
Regular demonstrations and strikes against the bill have taken place in recent months, with rallies expected to intensify following the use of the executive power.