What People Are Searching Most About France’s Retirement Age Changes and Pension Reform: From Garbage Strikes in Paris to Protest Music

On Jan. 19, a series of general strikes, protests and demonstrations began in France over the French government’s pension reform bill that would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 years old. France, especially Paris, is an important region for the fashion industry. It serves as the headquarters for many major luxury fashion and beauty companies, and hosts Paris Fashion Week and Paris Couture Fashion Week. The retirement bill that sparked the protests was proposed under Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, and was pushed through earlier in March. Monday morning, protesters blocked the entrance to Paris’ famed Louvre Museum, sparking the ire of visitors and patrons. The demonstrations came one day ahead of the 10th round of nationwide strikes over the change in the pension plan. King Charles, who had a trip to Paris and Bordeaux planned from March 26 to 29, postponed his visit. Tear gas and water has been fired at protesters, and police have been injured. Despite the protests and opposition of French citizens, French President Emmanuel Macron has remained steadfast in the French government’s move to raise the retirement age. “This reform isn’t a luxury, it’s not a pleasure, it’s a necessity,” he said in an interview with

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