For many young people the world over, retirement is an abstract idea. Faced with issues like global warming and unemployment, Gen Z have enough on their plates to start thinking about pensions.Since French president Emmanuel Macron announced his plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 in January, anti-reform demonstrations have swept across France.
And young people have increasingly been on the frontline.Our reporter Anelise Borges went to Paris to find out why.Whilst some young people are concerned about Macron’s reform, many say they are taking to the streets to express a more general sense of discontent.Romane, a 21-year-old student, told Anelise: ‘We are against all of the government’s policies. [...] What’s at stake is much wider [than the reform].’Political analyst Philippe Moreau-Chevrolet reiterated this idea: ‘There is a parallel to be drawn with May 68 [protests] because in 1968 we had an old president, De Gaulle, who mattered to an older generation, but not to the young generation.
And it’s the same with Emmanuel Macron - he is the president of the old.’59.2% of 18-24-year-olds voted for Macron in the second round of the 2022 presidential election, but 41% of this age group didn’t vote at all.
We also mustn't forget those who weren’t old enough to vote last year.Many young protesters also believe they are defending their right to influence government decision-making.