France sees 8th round of demonstrations as thousands protest gov't pension reform plan

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) - Nationwide demonstrations were held in Paris and other cities in France on Wednesday, with thousands protesting the government's pension reform plan, according to media reports.

On this eighth round of demonstrations, people protest against the plan which triggered public outrage when it was announced last year.

Workers in some sectors, including oil refineries, railway transportation, airports, and garbage collection, decided to extend the walkouts which started last week, causing disruptions.

Protests started earlier in cities such as Nantes and Bordeaux, while thousands started rallying in Paris in the afternoon, gathering at the historical Esplanade des Invalides Square.

French intelligence is expecting 650,000-850,000 protesters on Wednesday, including up to 80,000 in the capital, according to the daily Le Figaro.

Meanwhile, the nation's political representatives continue to discuss the reform plan, according to media reports.

A joint committee, comprising seven senators and seven members of parliament, gathered to discuss the draft bill.

The committee is in charge of finding a common ground between parliament and the Senate over the final version of the draft bill.

It should achieve its duty and transfer the draft bill to the Senate, then to parliament for a final vote on Thursday.

Trade union leaders are calling on the MPs to not vote in favor of the reform plan, Le Figaro added.