VOICED: French strike again to defend retirement at 60

In France, large-scale protests erupted against the government's plan to raise the retirement age to 62. The protests led to school closures, flight cancellations, and disrupted train services. Unions aimed to increase support, highlighting strong public backing. President Sarkozy argued the reforms were necessary for budget deficit reduction and supporting an aging population. Despite this, protesters believed change was possible. Union and police figures on protest turnout varied significantly. The pension reform bill had passed the lower house and was expected to pass the upper house soon.

What was one of the main reasons for the protests in France?

• To oppose the increase in retirement age

• To demand higher wages

• To reduce public transportation costs

• To support the government's reforms

What was the government's primary reason for proposing pension reforms?

• To improve public transportation

• To increase employment rates

• To reduce taxes

• To tackle the budget deficit and support an aging population

How did the protesters in Paris feel about their ability to influence change?

• They were indifferent to the outcome

• They believed the government would never listen

• They felt defeated and hopeless

• They were confident they could still make a difference

What discrepancy is highlighted between the union and police figures regarding the protest turnout?

• The police figures were higher than the union's

• The union claimed significantly more participants than the police

• The union reported fewer participants than the police

• Both reported the same number of participants

What is the status of the pension reform bill in the legislative process?

• It is still under debate in the lower house

• It has been fully approved and implemented

• It has been rejected by both houses

• It has been approved by the lower house and awaits approval from the upper house