Pension reform, nuclear vote, film, fashion: The week ahead in France
This week (January 23-29) is set to include important hearings in parliament and the senate as well as the Chinese New Year parade in Paris
We look at what the week ahead has in store for people in France
Olrat / Frederic Legrand - COMEO / Jo Bouroch / Shutterstock
Monday, January 23
Pension reform hearing
Cabinet ministers are set to consider the controversial retirement reform proposal. President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne have proposed, among other plans, to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
This has prompted nationwide strikes with unions united against the plans. Workers from the transport, energy, and education sectors marched against the plans on January 19, and have set January 31 as a second day of action next week.
Read more
Paris Fashion Week 2023
The famous haute couture fashion week begins in the French capital this week.
Tuesday, January 24
Senate nuclear vote
The Senate is set to vote on the project to increase the number of nuclear power stations. The bill is set to speed up procedures for the construction of new nuclear facilities near existing sites and to improve and expand existing facilities. The aim is partly to improve the security of power supply in the wake of supply issues due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Minister rape appeal
The Paris court of appeal is set to deliver its verdict on the accusations of rape facing Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.
Read more: Macron defends appointment of minister accused of rape
Wednesday, January 25
César film award nominations
The nominations for the prestigious French film awards Les César will be announced, in the same week as the US Oscar nominations (announced on Tuesday). The actual ceremony is on February 24.
Fantasy film festival
The 30th annual edition of the Festival International du Film Fantastique de Gérardmer, a fantasy, science fiction, and horror film festival, takes place in the Vosges town. It was originally called Fantastica, and then Fantastic’Arts until 2008.
Thursday, January 26
International comic book festival
The 50th annual Festival International de la BD (bande dessinée) comic book and drawing festival opens in Angoulême (Charente).
Friday, January 27
Party conference
The 80th party congress of the Socialist Party opens in Marseille.
Court case for protester violence begins
The appeal court case of Alexandre Benalla, President Macron’s former bodyguard, in connection with violence committed against protesters in 2018, opens in Paris.
After the incident, Benalla was given a three-year jail sentence, with the final two suspended.
Read also: Why is there talk of a vote of confidence for France’s new PM?
Saturday, January 28
Iran protest
Protesters set to march in support of French people currently detained in Iran
Lunar New Year
A Chinese New Year parade takes place in Paris. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit.
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