03:35France: Clashes erupt in Lyon after Macron forces through pension changes
Clashes erupted in Lyon on Friday as protests intensified following President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to force through pension changes without a vote in the lower house of parliament.
The violence occurred as hundreds gathered at Place des Jacobins before marching towards the City Hall, which had previously been vandalised by protesters.
Anti-riot police prevented the demonstrators from reaching the City Hall and dispersed the procession with tear gas and stun grenades. Protesters responded by launching fireworks at the officers, setting bins on fire and destroying public property.
According to reports, a smaller group of protesters managed to infiltrate the City Hall of the 4th district, committing acts of vandalism and setting fires in offices.
A day earlier, 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However, the vote in the lower house, the National Assembly, was withdrawn at the last minute, with the result believed to be too close to call.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 executive power.
03:35Clashes erupted in Lyon on Friday as protests intensified following President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to force through pension changes without a vote in the lower house of parliament.
The violence occurred as hundreds gathered at Place des Jacobins before marching towards the City Hall, which had previously been vandalised by protesters.
Anti-riot police prevented the demonstrators from reaching the City Hall and dispersed the procession with tear gas and stun grenades. Protesters responded by launching fireworks at the officers, setting bins on fire and destroying public property.
According to reports, a smaller group of protesters managed to infiltrate the City Hall of the 4th district, committing acts of vandalism and setting fires in offices.
A day earlier, 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, 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 executive power.