03:43France: Clashes erupt in Lyon as government passes pension reform without vote
Violence broke out between demonstrators and riot police in Lyon on Thursday, after the Macron government unleashed article 49.3 to force through its pension changes.
The clashes erupted at the Place des Terreaux after a gathering organised by trade unions in front of the city’s Prefecture.
Groups of demonstrators torched rubbish bins and set up barricades while the police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the protesters. The walls of the city hall were vandalized with spray paint and windows were also smashed.
On Thursday, Macron decided to use executive privilege to pass his pension reforms without a vote in the National Assembly.
The Senate passed the proposals by 193-144, which increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.
However, the vote in the lower house was withdrawn at the last minute, with the result believed to be too close to call.
Regular demonstrations and strikes against the bill have taken place in recent months, with rallies expected to intensify following the use of executive power.
03:43Violence broke out between demonstrators and riot police in Lyon on Thursday, after the Macron government unleashed article 49.3 to force through its pension changes.
The clashes erupted at the Place des Terreaux after a gathering organised by trade unions in front of the city’s Prefecture.
Groups of demonstrators torched rubbish bins and set up barricades while the police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the protesters. The walls of the city hall were vandalized with spray paint and windows were also smashed.
On Thursday, Macron decided to use executive privilege to pass his pension reforms without a vote in the National Assembly.
The Senate passed the proposals by 193-144, which increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.
However, the vote in the lower house was withdrawn at the last minute, with the result believed to be too close to call.
Regular demonstrations and strikes against the bill have taken place in recent months, with rallies expected to intensify following the use of executive power.