Nationwide protests in France as study reveals almost 60% reject Macron’s policy (WATCH LIVE)
Rail workers and students have staged massive protests in France, as a survey revealed that Emmanuel Macron has a disapproval rating of almost 60 percent, less than a year into his presidency.
While Macron’s presidency is being challenged by ongoing protests, the latest polls show that only 42 percent of respondents expressed approval of him as the country’s leader.
The survey revealed that the majority of respondents were unhappy with Macron, but the research paints a very conflicted picture, as a similar proportion of respondents (57 percent) were in favor of the president’s reform plans.
The opinion poll also reflected growing discontent among the public. Only 30 percent of respondents agreed that Macron was “in touch with French people’s concerns,” hinting at his tax cuts for the well-off and neglect towards workers’ needs.
“In every area there is discontent,” said Edwy Plenel, veteran political journalist with the investigative news website Mediapart, in a recent interview with Macron.
Barely concealing his anger, Macron rebuffed Plenel’s remarks and said his question about protests was “biased.”
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The past three months saw thousands of protestors demonstrating against Macron’s decision to adopt wide-ranging reforms, including changes to the education system, the national rail operator, and even the courts.
The rail company (known as the SNCF) workers are angered by the government’s move to freeze salaries and cut 120,000 jobs, along with plans to introduce payment based on merit and to use more private contractors.
Travelers across the country have been greatly affected by the strikes. Most intercity connections were disrupted, as well as the connection between Paris station Gare du Nord and both airports. SNCF President Guillaume Pepy estimated that the economic burden that strikes inflict on the company amounts to €20 million ($24.7 million) per day.
Students and professors at Paris, Toulouse, Montpellier, Bordeaux, Strasbourg and Rennes universities have also voiced their frustration with the new reforms. Macron’s initiative to rebuild the education system was resisted by students who occupied universities across the country and had them shut down.
Massive student protests, which began in March, have been battling the government’s plans to introduce an admission criteria and rank young people who apply to public universities. Despite public dismay and repeated attacks over his pro-business economic policy, which already earned him the nickname ‘President of the Rich,’ Macron has vowed to maintain his stance and proceed with the reforms.
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