This website uses cookies. Some are necessary to help our website work properly and can't be switched off, and some are optional but can optimise your browsing experience. To manage your cookie choices, click on Open settings.
France: Dozens detained in Paris after violent protest against govt's pension overhaul03:20

France: Dozens detained in Paris after violent protest against govt's pension overhaul

France, Paris
March 18, 2023 at 22:11 GMT +00:00 · Published

Dozens of protesters were detained by police after a demonstration against the government's pension reform turned violent in Paris on Saturday.

In the footage, chaotic scenes could be seen as police used tear gas to disperse rioters who burned barricades and threw objects at officers while demonstrating one day after French President Emmanuel Macron pushed through with pension changes without approval by parliament. Dozens of activists could be seen sitting on the ground in front of a supermarket after being detained.

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However, the vote in the lower house, the National Assembly, was withdrawn at the last minute, with the result believed to be too close to call.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.

France: Dozens detained in Paris after violent protest against govt's pension overhaul03:20
Top downloads in last 24 hours
Show more
Description

Dozens of protesters were detained by police after a demonstration against the government's pension reform turned violent in Paris on Saturday.

In the footage, chaotic scenes could be seen as police used tear gas to disperse rioters who burned barricades and threw objects at officers while demonstrating one day after French President Emmanuel Macron pushed through with pension changes without approval by parliament. Dozens of activists could be seen sitting on the ground in front of a supermarket after being detained.

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However, the vote in the lower house, the National Assembly, was withdrawn at the last minute, with the result believed to be too close to call.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.