French government rules out concessions on pensions despite mass protests

[News_Editor]

French government rules out concessions on pensions despite mass protests

2010-10-13 00:11:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

PARIS (BNO NEWS) -- The French government on Tuesday ruled out making new concessions on pensions despite thousands of people who are protesting in streets against the reform that will raise retirement age from 62 to 65.

The French government estimates that approximately half a million people are currently participating in the public demonstrations and this number could increase later in the day.

Last week, the government amended the bill and added certain exemptions for working mothers. However, such concessions were rejected by unions as considering them inadequate. Sarkozy's government has since denied making new concessions as Prime Minister Francois Fillon said that they have reached the limit of what is possible.

The protests against the pension reform bill are taking place nationwide including in Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, Lille and Paris. Union members have been joined by high school students in what has been the biggest demonstration against President Nicolas Sarkozy's proposed legislation.

As expected, transportation has been severely disrupted due to the mass strike. Transport workers announced that they intend to continue the strike on Wednesday. In consequence, disturbances in transportation are expected too.

Prior to Tuesday's massive protests, France has endured two nationwide protests against the reform. The last one took place on September 23, when hundreds of thousands of French workers went on a strike for 24 hours.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-10-13

[TAWP]

So funny when socialism is again and again proven to just be egoism from those that don't have enough - by stealing from those that have.

[Moonrakers]

They'll have a riot soon.

If there is one thing that the French are really really REALLY good at, it's rioting.

[TAWP]

I hope they do. I hope they burn everything down.

And then they can cry when there is no money to pay to them.

<deleted>'em all.