Crisis in France
With presidential elections less than two years away, President Emmanuel Macron’s reshuffle this week is thus an attempt to reassert his authority.
With presidential elections less than two years away, President Emmanuel Macron’s reshuffle this week is thus an attempt to reassert his authority.
Philippe "assures, with the members of the government, the dealing of affairs until the government is formed," said Elysee Palace in its press statement.
The prime minister noted that a national lockdown could be re-imposed if the pace of the virus circulation accelerates again.
The extension also applies to widespread business closures seen as necessary to brake the propagation of the virus.
It will be the sixth nation-wide action day called by hard-line unions in protest of the government's plan to merge the current 42-scheme pension regime into a single, point-based system.
The march in the capital Paris was led by Philippe Martínez, the leader of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) amid a high-security presence.
Macron's government has yet to set out its reform proposals in full but is pushing for a single plan to replace 42 special pension schemes.
EU countries with close UK ties have already begun preparing for its departure on 29 March without a deal
President Macron, who had said he would “never accept violence”, has instructed the Prime Minister, Édouard Philippe, to meet what he calls “legitimate protest groups” and opposition politicians this week in an effort to calm tensions and stop “professional” rioters from infiltrating street demonstrations.
Officials said that several months of rain fell in just a few hours overnight, blocking roads in some areas of France.
