pensioners

French pensioners held nationwide protests on Thursday over a recent rise in a levy imposed on them to fund the country’s social security system, and which for many represents a yearly loss of several hundred euros. The demonstrations were organised by a united front of pensioners’ unions, who dismiss the government’s argument that the rise is necessary to finance a reduction in social security payments by young workers, what it calls a gesture of “inter-generational solidarity”. While the pensioners’ protest movement shows no signs of abating, some MPs among the ranks of Macron’s normally loyal LREM party have begun voicing their unease over the measure. Manuel Jardinaud, Mathilde Goanec and Romaric Godin report.   

Unions say pensioners earning 1,000 euros a month will lose about 17 euros in tax increase while those on 2,000 euros will lose double that.

Residents of retirement home in Burgundy have missed their favourite side order because kitchen fryer has been out of order since early 2015.

French president pledges 'nation's solidarity' after head-on crash between lorry and coach leaves 43 dead, mostly pensioners on day trip.

Fire broke out after head-on crash near Puisseguin between a lorry and a coach carrying pensioners going on a day trip.

She admits having wanted to relieve their suffering but denies seeking to poison them to death, according to a police source cited by local media.