French pension reform protests continue to rage on as demonstrators take to the streets to demand change. The ongoing strikes have brought France to a standstill, with workers protesting against President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed pension reforms. The French government wants to create a universal point-based pension system which they argue would streamline the current complex patchwork of schemes, but critics fear it would result in many workers receiving lower pensions.

The protests have spread nationwide and have led to widespread disruptions in public transport, fuel shortages, and closed schools, hospitals and tourist attractions. However, this week also saw a brief occupation of the Paris Olympics HQ by protesters. They were swiftly removed by police but the demonstration underscored the potency of the issues at stake.

Comparisons are being drawn between France and the US in terms of retirement benefits. Some argue that French workers enjoy more generous pension schemes than their American counterparts. However, during the current strikes, many French workers have been hit hard by the disruption to their daily lives. The debate about which country has a better retirement system continues to rage on.

President Macron has remained defiant, insisting that the reforms are necessary to create a more sustainable pension system for future generations. However, it is clear that the protests are far from over, and the government will need to find a way to end the strikes soon.