Europa Press and AFP

The newspaper La Jornada
Saturday, September 7, 2024, p. 22

Paris. France’s new Prime Minister Michel Barnier yesterday mentioned the possibility of reopen the debate for an improvement of the pension system, a reform that sparked strong protests last year.

During an interview with the television channel TF1, Barnier indicated that he plans open debates to improve this law and protect the most vulnerable.

The repeal of the pension reform was the main campaign promise of the New Popular Front (NFP), a party that, although it obtained the largest number of votes, did not obtain the legislative majority necessary to appoint a prime minister from its group.

Although the left-wing NFP coalition collaborated with Macronism to stop the far right from coming to power, in the end, the ruling party blocked the left from entering government.

The NFP has already announced a motion of no confidence against Barnier’s appointment, which could only be successful if Le Pen’s far right votes in favour. The new prime minister has the support of the Macronist bloc and the Republicans party.

Jean Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise and founder of the NFP, called for a mobilization to take place today, Saturday. “Let us unite for the respect of democracy and dignity (…) the people are the only sovereign,” said Mélenchon.