why is mobilization a concern for Emmanuel Macron?

According to the Ministry of the Interior, nearly 1.3 million people demonstrated on Tuesday throughout France, a record against social reform since 1984. The protest movement is clearly anchored in the country and its scale is confirmed. . Almost everywhere in France, the mobilization against the pension reform is intensifying… including in small towns and medium-sized towns. Two new dates for demonstrations have been announced by the unions on February 7 and 11. However, the presidential camp does not say it is impressed and is still inflexible.

A mobilization resulting from a general anger

The situation is still becoming worrying for the executive, with a first particularly worrying point for Macronie: there are more people in the street but fewer strikers. This is a sign that the anger does not only concern the union scum accustomed to social movements.

Another important marker, many people demonstrated for the first time in a long time. There are therefore more non-unionized and little or not politicized profiles in the processions. Regarding the demands, they express a general anger that goes beyond the framework of the pension reform. The mobilization crystallizes around it the difficulties of the moment such as inflation and resentment against the president.

A strategy that leaves few exit doors

However, in this configuration, it is difficult for Emmanuel Macron to provide political answers. He actually has very little leeway. The only two ways out – that is to say withdraw the reform or move on the main lines – are not considered for a second because they would precipitate the second five-year term into inertia.

The idea is therefore to keep to the maximum by betting on an outlet not in the street, but in Parliament. Which is far from certain with the relative majority, knowing that any passage in force would throw oil on the fire.