Social movements, unions and political parties called for an ongoing general strike against the reform of the pension system proposed by the French government. Despite the number of people in the streets never being so high, the law was adopted yesterday by the Senate.
The French Young Greens and the Federation of Young European Greens (FYEG) support this ongoing mobilisation in France which may have implications throughout Europe. Facing the economic crisis and budget restriction requirements, many governments are trying to curb social standards. Together with the French Young Greens and the youth collective RAJE (la Retraite est aussi une Affaire de JEunes – Pension also concerns Youth), FYEG denounces the attack made on the poorest, youth and women.
Rising the age of pension cannot be a solution until a problem is found to unemployment. In France, unemployment in the age group 18-30 years old has risen to 25%, more than 35% in poor districts and more than 50% in some Ultra-Peripherical Regions! The level of unemployment is also detrimental to women (part-time, maternity leaves) whom level of pension is already 38% under the level of men.
What’s more, no step can be undertaken towards a reform of the pension system without changing our conception of work: to take into account internships, social activities (NGO, political parties, volunteering or sports) or any other activity that is useful to the society without bringing remuneration as a necessary step towards a more equalitarian society. The length of studies rising as well, it should be included into the point counting for the pensions.
The strikers make another statement: the financial situation does not entirely justify the current reform. Almost 10% of millionaires live in France, which means 2,2 million out of 66 million inhabitants. The contribution of the richest to the social system has been diminishing for years and no new taxes or financial tools (tax on financial flows or carbon tax) have been created to fund the fight against growing inequalities.
And while Nicolas Sarkozy estimates that he can ‘control the situation until the youth get mobilised’, the Young European Greens alert him: in universities, high-schools and beyond, the atmosphere is heating up!
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