The standoff is a crucial test for the centrist French president, whose planned overhaul of the pensions system was a key election promise. The row cuts to the heart of Macron’s presidential project and his pledge to deliver the biggest transformation of the French social model and welfare system since the postwar era. But while many French voters agree that the pensions system should be changed, they are not sure the pro-business president can be trusted to do it. A recent Ifop poll found 76% of French people back pensions reform, but 64% do not trust the government to pull it off. Beyond trade unions, there is an angry grassroots base of rail workers and other state workers keen to put pressure on the government.

Source: The Guardian December 05, 2019 03:00 UTC