France Braces for ‘Black Thursday’ General Strike

Facts

• France is preparing for a "Black Thursday" general strike this week, as unions have called for a "massive mobilization" in protest against government changes to pensions.
• The government is attempting to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. The general strike, which is supported by many political parties, including The Greens, The French Communists, The Socialists, and the France Unbowed party, would happen across multiple sectors — the first time the eight main unions have united fully in 12 years.
• It is believed that three-quarters of France's teachers will join the strike. The head of the CGT Union, which represents European and international trade, expects "several million people" to demonstrate against the reform.
• The French government has said it will stand its ground and has called on workers to not paralyze the country. The reform is yet to be adopted in parliament, and Macron's party, which does not hold a majority, is reliant on Les Republicains party if the plan is to pass.
• Elisabeth Borne, France's Prime Minister, told the National Assembly the country has no choice but to raise the retirement age because the number of working people has fallen behind the number of pensioners. Borne added that “balance” must be restored, and it can be achieved by 2030 if this reform is enacted.

Sources: Guardian, Rfi , Republic World, France24, and Euro News.

Narratives

• Left narrative, as provided by Le Monde. The determination and spirit shown by the unions and the left-leaning parties are not just an ideological attack against Macron's policies, but also a preemptive strike against the threat of Marine Le Pen's far-right politics. The risk of the Rassemblement National is on everyone's mind, and to fight against such danger via strikes and protests is no longer a moral struggle but a moral obligation.
• Right narrative, as provided by Le Figaro. While the central parties, with the help of the left, seek to use the strikes to pressure the government, there’s no guarantee of success. Much is dependent on whether the unions will decide to follow up on their protests, which will only be decided on the evening of the demonstrations.