French President Emmanuel Macron’s flagship pension reform, which raises the retirement age to 64, received the Constitutional Council’s green light, prompting outcry from people outside Paris’ City Hall.

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French protesters have slammed the decision backing pension reform, rejecting the government’s plan to merge the 42 retirement schemes into one universal points-based system. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in several cities, calling for a reversal of the decision that would see the retirement age increased to 64 from the current 62.

The protests turned violent in several parts of Paris, with police using water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The French government, however, showed no signs of backing down, stating that the pension overhaul is necessary to address the country’s budget deficit and ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension system.

The proposed pension reform has been a bone of contention between the government and labor unions for months. Unions have argued that the reform would be unfair to workers, as it would require them to work longer and receive smaller pensions. They argue that the system would disproportionately benefit the wealthy and the self-employed, who would receive higher pensions compared to those in low-wage jobs or part-time work.

Protesters have also raised concerns about the government’s track record on pension reform, pointing to the similar reforms in the past that have not addressed the core problems of the pension system. They argue that the current system is already stretched, and adding more pressure on it by increasing the retirement age and introducing a points-based system would not address the underlying financial issues.

Moreover, the French protest over pension reform comes at a time when several other countries in Europe are also grappling with pension-related issues. The population in many countries is aging rapidly, which is putting pressure on the pension systems, while at the same time, the shrinking workforce is making it harder to finance the system. The debate over pension reform is, therefore, not unique to France but a global phenomenon.

In conclusion, the French protests over pension reform are a clear indication of people’s dissatisfaction with a system that they believe is not working for them. Whether the government will be willing to listen to the concerns of the protesters and make changes that address these issues is yet to be seen. One thing is evident, though, pension reform is an issue that affects nearly everyone, and the solution will require a collective effort from governments, unions, and citizens to ensure a sustainable and equitable system in the long run.