Mass Protests Erupt in Western France Against Pension Reform and Economic Concerns
Protests in western France demand repeal of pension reform and better wages.
Key Points
- • Protests organized by CGT on June 5 gather thousands in western France.
- • Majority of 73% support repeal of pension reform raising retirement age to 64.
- • CGT demands salary increases index to inflation and highlights job insecurity.
- • Cost-cutting at CHU d'Angers has led to staffing reductions impacting patient care.
On June 5, 2025, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across western France in a series of protests organized by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT). The protests, which occurred in cities including Brest, Angers, Rennes, and Nantes, were aimed at advocating for public services, increased wages, and the repeal of the controversial pension reform that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.
As reported, a significant majority of 73% of workers expressed support for repealing the pension reform, with many calling for a return to retirement at age 60 with full benefits. The CGT has expressed deep concerns regarding job insecurity, particularly for lower-paid public sector employees, and is demanding that salary increases be indexed to inflation to counteract rising living costs.
The protests were fueled not only by the pension reform but also by a cost-cutting plan at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) d'Angers which has led to job losses and inadequate staffing. Cécile Chevalier Cervelle, CGT secretary at CHU d'Angers, highlighted that a 25% increase in patient activity coincided with a 40% reduction in replacement staff, thereby adversely affecting patient care and public health.
In addition, workers from the postal services in Loire-Atlantique joined in solidarity against service restructurings that threaten their working conditions. CGT's protest actions are part of a broader trend of discontent amidst rising economic pressures and diminishing public service quality in the region.