French President Macron Faces Angry Protesters During Speech in Netherlands

(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron faced jeering and protests from a group of demonstrators during a speech at the Nexus Institute in The Hague, according to local media. As Macron outlined his vision for the future of Europe, protesters unfurled a banner criticizing him as a "President of violence and hypocrisy" and shouted out questions about French democracy and the controversial pension reform bill.

The protesters were particularly angry about the pension reform bill, which was recently passed through an end-run maneuver that bypassed a parliamentary vote. They also criticized the police violence used against demonstrators protesting the measure. As the demonstrators interrupted his speech, Macron tried to respond but was drowned out. Security guards were forced to remove the protesters from the lecture hall by force.

Once the protesters had been removed, Macron resumed his speech and emphasized the importance of debate. He defended the pension reform bill and the decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 by 2030. Macron argued that the retirement age is even higher in some European countries and stressed the need for reform in the French pension system.

The protests and interruptions during Macron's speech highlight the growing discontent and anger among some French citizens about the pension reform bill and police violence. The controversy surrounding the bill and the use of force against protesters has sparked widespread protests and demonstrations across France. Macron's efforts to defend the bill and his policies have been met with opposition and criticism, as some citizens feel that their voices are not being heard or represented in the decision-making process. The protest in the Netherlands serves as a reminder that the controversy and opposition to the pension reform bill are not limited to France and are being closely watched by people across Europe.

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