France braces for mass protests over pension reform

France is bracing for a wave of mass protests and strikes over the government's plans to reform the pension system. The proposed reforms aim to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64 and to link the pension to the number of years worked, rather than the number of contributions made.

The government has argued that the reforms are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension system, which is facing a significant funding shortfall. However, the proposed changes have been met with widespread opposition from unions, who argue that they will disproportionately affect low-income and working-class individuals.

The unions have called for a general strike on December 5, which is expected to bring together millions of workers from across the country. The strike is expected to cause widespread disruptions to public services, including transportation, education, and healthcare.

The government has also faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, with many accusing it of being out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people. The prime minister, Édouard Philippe, has defended the reforms, saying that they are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension system.

The protests and strikes are expected to continue throughout the week, with many unions and organizations calling for a national day of action on December 5. The government has vowed to push ahead with the reforms, despite the opposition, and has promised to provide support to those who will be affected by the changes.

The pension reform is a highly controversial issue in France, and the protests and strikes are likely to continue for some time. The government will need to find a way to address the concerns of the unions and the public if it is to avoid a prolonged and damaging crisis.