On the eve of this new day of mobilization, the atmosphere is rather feverish on the side of the government… Political editorial by Renaud Dély.
Pretty tense vigil of arms. At the top of the state, we measure how decisive this week is for the future of pension reform, and therefore perhaps for that of the government. The unions are changing their strategy: no more massive, peaceful and punctual parades, place for blockages with the will to last. So it’s not so much tomorrow’s day that worries the government, it’s more about what’s next. Tuesday, March 7, the mobilization will be massive and the disruptions significant, in particular in transport and in many public services. But the challenge is above all the “day after”: Wednesday, then Thursday, Friday and then, will the blockages be extended? Will France be permanently at a standstill?
>> LIVE. Pension reform: Tuesday’s mobilization “does not change the necessary character” of the text, assures Olivier Dussopt
A fear that blurs government communication. In fact, as so often when faced with difficult times, the government struggles to find the right tone. And there is a semblance of cacophony. On the one hand, there are ministers who dramatize the situation hoping to turn public opinion against the strikers. This is why spokesperson Olivier Véran saw fit to brandish a risk of “ecological, agricultural, health and even human disaster”just that, in the event of a lasting blockage.
And Emmanuel Macron?
His colleague in charge of Transport, Clément Beaune, was content to predict for tomorrow “one of the hardest days we’ve ever known” with “a real hassle” for users. On the other side, there are those who keep a rather low profile, who recognize “communication errors” or some “confused speeches”.
And where did Emmanuel Macron go? Well, motus. The Head of State has just returned from a long African tour. He was able to measure the hostility aroused by his reform when he was strongly challenged several times at the Agricultural Show. No question of returning to it on the eve of a new union mobilization.
Officially, at the Élysée, we are even already turned towards the post-pension reform, with the text on immigration or the future bill on full employment. A way also for the executive, on the eve of a decisive week, to confess its haste to move on to the next.