SUMMARY
- Euronext in La Defense briefly became the ground zero for passionate protesters advocating against an increase in retirement age.
- Sud-Rail unionist, Fabien Villedieu, sparked controversy, arguing that billionaires, not workers, should foot the bill for pension financing.
- Amidst nationwide discontent, President Macron's unyielding stance fuels the fire of persistent protests against pension reform.
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On a fiery Thursday, the headquarters of stock exchange operator, Euronext, situated in the bustling La Defense district of Paris, briefly transformed into a fervent battleground of protesters. This brigade of activists, clutching the mantra that giant corporations must contribute more substantially to pension financing, assembled in retaliation against the government's recent decision to hike the retirement age.
"Who says we are short of funds for pensions?" posed Sud-Rail unionist Fabien Villedieu. He adamantly proposed that the required funds don't need to be wrung out of ordinary workers' pockets, but rather from the overflowing coffers of billionaires. As the hubbub of protests enveloped Euronext's premises, it was awash in a mist of crimson smoke erupting from flares.
Fervor-filled chants echoed throughout the lobby: "We are here, we are here, even if Macron wishes otherwise, we remain." As the crowd swelled, they unified their voices in a common demand: "Macron, step down!" It's worth noting that similar fiery expressions had painted a vivid picture in front of Blackrock's Paris offices earlier this month.
This protest was a continuation of the vehement opposition to President Macron's legislation, which mandates citizens to extend their working tenure by two years, raising the retirement age to 64. This action followed a turbulent period of three months, where large scale protests often tipped into violent clashes, reflecting the profound disapproval of the majority of voters.
However, the determined protesters on Thursday, and those who gave Macron a rancorous welcome in the Alsace region on Wednesday, reiterated their unyielding stance. In the midst of La Defense's central square, protesters rallied around a banner boldly declaring, "No to the pension reform". Meanwhile, Macron, unperturbed by the unfolding resistance, was caught shrugging off the protests during a school visit in Ganges.
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