Many protesters gathered at Place Masséna this Thursday, June 5th, in response to the call for a national strike. The agenda included opposition to the pension reform and the desire to see wages increase, not to mention local grievances.
“Democracy is on vacation. They preferred to go to the pool or play tennis,” shouted Patrick Santo, secretary of the CGT 06 departmental union. This statement referred to the absence of right-wing and centrist deputies in the Assembly this Thursday, May 5th. Even though a resolution proposal aiming to repeal the 2023 pension reform was being voted on. An initiative led by the Communist Party, which gathered 198 votes for and 35 against.
Unity is strength
At the start from Place Masséna, many awaited the beginning of the hostilities. They came from all walks of life to protest against the 2023 pension reform. Dozens of professional sectors were represented. All united.
“Mobilization is crucial. It’s first about showing that there are a number of us defending these demands, concerning pensions and wages. It also allows us to establish a slightly stronger balance of power so that our politicians see and hear us,” explains Yohann Brunet. This young engineer manager, who has only been protesting for a few months, is nonetheless very attached to the cause. “I increasingly want to protest. I think there is an awakening of consciousness right now, and more and more people feel concerned about going to protest. And it is a necessary mindset,” he declares.
This Thursday, June 5th, many movements came together to express their dissatisfaction. Santé et Action Sociale Var, France Travail PACA, Éduc’Action, Fapt CGT 06, the FSU, the SNAP, the Mentor Hospital, and the CHU of Nice, among others.
A demonstration symbolizing general discontent
“66% of employees want a return to retirement at 60 according to the Ifop survey commissioned by the CGT,” proclaims Patrick Santo from the top of the CGT truck. The crowd cheers, flags wave. “We need to increase wages now. If there’s money to go to war in Ukraine, there’s money for a true social economy in France! So we can live with dignity from our wages and work,” he adds.
Protesters raise their fists. “It’s important to fight for our pensions because the system is currently under attack by politicians. And for our wages too. Because it’s true that we haven’t heard much about wage increases lately, and with inflation… And it’s hard to live, we feel abandoned. All this also affects our working conditions,” say the nurses present.
Local irritation
The climate is also tense regarding current events in Nice. Many oppose the Third United Nations Conference, which begins next week. Some see it as a waste of money, others as actions disconnected from the concerns of the French.
Patrick Santo doesn’t miss the opportunity to discuss local news. “We also need to ask ourselves a little question about the cost of the ocean summit. Who will pay the bill? Who will pay for the three-star meal of the 80 heads of state at the Negresco? Who will pay for the destruction of Acropolis and the construction of this ephemeral park that disfigures the port? Certainly, it won’t be Rodolphe Saadé, nor Xavier Niel, nor anyone else. However, it will be us, it will be all of you!”
