#41: EMMANUEL MACRON SIGNS PENSION REFORM INTO LAW
EU workshop argues for censorship and manipulation of language + full-time climate activist lives on unemployment benefits + UK to stop accommodating migrants in expensive hotels + MORE!
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT GREEN-LIGHTS MACRON’S PENSION REFORM
After a few turbulent weeks of protest, the Constitutional Council has found that French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed changes to the retirement age and national pensions were perfectly legal.
After a few turbulent weeks of protests and clashes with police, Macron signed the bill into law on Saturday.
In a recent decision, the constitutional council, consisting of nine members, has given its verdict in favor of crucial aspects of the reform.
Two of the council’s members were appointed by Macron and another two were appointed by his ally National Assembly President Richard Ferrand.
The provisions include an increase in the retirement age to 64 and an extension in the number of years of work required for a complete pension. The council affirmed that the legislation aligns with the existing laws of France.
Labor unions have promised to continue fighting against the change which would see the retirement age rise from 62 to 64.
Groups have called for nationwide demonstrations on May 1.
EU ADVOCATES MANIPULATING LANGUAGE TO ELIMINATE RACISM
The European Parliament recently held a workshop titled “Anti-Racism: Why Words Matter” which argued for the censorship and manipulation of language in the service of equity and diversity.
All staff were invited to learn about how words like “black list” should be banned because they reinforce “the notion that black is undesirable while white is desirable.” The host of the Orwellian workshop, Rolade Berthier, instead suggested the use of words like “disallowedlist” or “blockedlist.”
Other harmful and offensive words included the phrase “chop-chop”, “guru”, “voodoo economics” and “foreigner.”
Berthier also aruged that employers have the duty to put an end to certain jokes in the workplace.
“Humor and jokes can display or improve group cohesion. Laughter and smiling relieve anger, boredom, fatigue, frustration and tension,” wrote Berthier.
“However , when the workplace is inundated with such practices and management implicitly or explicitly endorses them, making at least one employee uncomfortable, it needs to stop.”
The workshop also called on members to adopt appropriate “anti-racist” resistance terminology.
FULL-TIME CLIMATE ACTIVIST LIVES ON UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
A climate activist in Europe recently admitted to a court that because of his decision to live off of unemployment benefits he can travel the continent as a full-time protester.
Last Generation activist Christian Bläul has participated in road blockades in Germany, Sweden and elsewhere, all while unemployed.
The former IT manager told a court that he quit his lucrative job to dedicate his life to environmental activism.
"In addition, there are a few donations, that's enough," he told the Berlin-Tiergarten court.
Bläul is facing charges of coercion and resisting law enforcement. He was sentenced to pay €20 for 40 days straight.
UK WILL STOP ACCOMMODATING MIGRANTS IN EXPENSIVE HOTELS
The UK’s Tory government wants to put an end to luxurious accommodations for migrants and asylum seekers at the taxpayers expense.
On Wednesday, the British Home Office said new arrivals will be housed in a renovated barge that will have “basic and functional facilities” and serve as a temporary accommodation.
Officials said the barge “Bibby Stockholm” has the capacity to house approximately 500 individuals as they await the processing of their asylum applications.
"The use of expensive hotels to house those making unnecessary and dangerous journeys must end ," said Secretary of State for Immigration Robert Jenrick.
”We will not elevate the interests of illegal migrants above those of the Britons we are elected to serve.”
POLL SHOWS MARINE LE PEN WOULD WIN IN AN ELECTION
If an election were to be held today, polls show that National Rally leader Marine Le Pen would beat French President Emmanuel Macron by a landslide.
According to the Elabe survey, Le Pen would win in the second round of elections.
Projections show that Le Pen would come out on top with 31% during a first round of voting, ahead of Macron’s 23%.
In the second round Le Pen is projected to receive 55% of the vote against Macron’s 45%.
Commentators in France have noted how Macron’s struggle to clamp down on protests against his government’s pension reform plans have benefited his main political opponent, Le Pen.