Violent clashes between police forces and protesters in Paris and Nantes, against intent to reform pension • Prime Minister Philip: "Determined to make the move"

• Demonstrations against pension reform in Paris // Photo: AFP

French Prime Minister Edward Philippe said on Tuesday that the country's government is determined to pass the controversial pension reform, which has sparked a wave of protests and strikes in some cases that have sparked real violent events.

Violent demonstrations in France // Photo: Reuters

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"The opposition of the labor unions to our project is perfectly legitimate. But we have clearly stated what our project and government were absolutely determined to reform the pension system and balance the budget of the pension system," said Edward Philip in Parliament.

Police in Nantes, today // Photo: AFP

This statement by the French prime minister comes in the wake of the wave of strikes and mass protests, which began on December 5 as a step to protest the government's intention to undertake widespread pension reform. In some cities in France, violent clashes have been reported between protesters and local security forces.

According to media reports and video footage that goes to social networks, the protests and clashes between the protesters and the French police have escalated today.

Violent NGOs in France // Photo: AFP

During a rally against President Macron today in the French city of Nantes, local police were forced to use tear gas fire at protesters who attended a rally planned by labor unions, after only last month Nantes became the focus of clashes between police forces and radical left-wing protesters. At the same time, violent demonstrations also took place in the capital Paris, and during which the police used means of dispersing demonstrations including tear gas aimed at the protesters.

The Deuxième tour is plus movement for the premier #Nantes # 17December pic.twitter.com/FDTzEidydV

- Nicolas Mollé (@N_Molle) December 17, 2019

Recall, the protest was initiated by workers' committees in France, who hope to force the French government to give up its plan to extensive pension reform, which would eliminate the privileges of workers in various sectors, who could retire fairly early or receive very high benefits compared to other professionals. The leaders of the protesters hope to reiterate the achievement of 24 years ago, in 1995, when the then conservative government shrugged off its pension reform plans because of the enormous damage to the French economy.