On this 1st of October, 1,200 protestors gathered in Nice. They oppose austerity and government reforms. The pension reform is particularly criticized. The procession began at Place Massรฉna. The protestors marched with determination. They traveled along Avenue Jean-Mรฉdecin to Place de la Libรฉration. Many unions, young people, and retirees were present.
In a festive atmosphere, the protestors expressed strong demands, notably the repeal of the pension reform adopted despite strong opposition. Among the main demands was the return to a retirement age of 60, as well as a significant increase in wages and pensions indexed to inflation. Maxime, a union activist, stated: “If we manage to block the whole country, they won’t have much choice but to listen to us. We won our rights by fighting and we will continue to do so.“
The preservation and improvement of public services in the sectors of education, healthcare, and transport were also central to the demands. Throughout the demonstration, union leaders took turns at the microphone to denounce the growing precariousness of public workers and the lack of public investment.
Symbols of Protest and Call for Unity
The procession was marked by powerful symbols. A rag doll representing Emmanuel Macron was thrown into the air. The protestors voiced strong slogans. They called for the end of hostilities in Gaza. The slogans also demanded for peace in Iran and Lebanon. The protestors demanded the removal of Prime Minister Michel Barnier. They also called for the resignation of President Macron. A group of protestors sang protest songs denouncing government measures deemed contrary to the interests of the population.
However, the lack of unity among the people prompted regrets among some participants. Lucie, a protester, emphasized the importance of collective worker mobilization: “It needs to be a general mobilization, and we won’t be able to win with a day of strike here and there. For me, it should be a general strike.“
The protesters hope that this day of mobilization will serve as a springboard. They wish for increased coordination of militant forces, hoping this will happen in the coming weeks.
