Updated on
Summary
The first of 230 nationwide demonstrations across France began in Toulouse on Saturday, with union officials vowing that they would force the government to climb down over its plans to reform the pension system. Waving banners and chanting slogans critical of President Nicolas Sarkozy, tens of thousands of demonstrators filed through the centre of town. Union officials did not provide an estimate of turnout, but said they though it was at least as big as the previous five protests that have taken place in France since the summer. Altogether, several million people were expected to demonstrate in France against the pension plans, which include a rise in the minimum retirement age to 62 by 2018. The fight is continuing more than ever. It never stopped. said one protester. I've contributed for 42 years. Isn't that enough? Can I even climb a ladder any more? At 65 years of age, you wouldn't climb a ladder any more, added another. The start of the Toulouse march was delayed when one of the demonstrators was hit by a car and required medical attention.
