French Energy Union threatens blackout – The Hollywood Reporter

This year’s Cannes Film Festival could use a few extra flares, France’s largest energy workers’ union has warned.

As part of ongoing protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s hugely unpopular pension reform, the Fédération National des Mines et de l’Energie has announced it will pull the plug on several major events scheduled to take place in France next month.

“Do what you want in May. Cannes Festival, Monaco GP, Roland-Garros, Avignon Festival could end in obscurity,” the union posted on social media in an announcement titled “100 Days of Anger! 100 days to win!”

Several unions have pledged to keep fighting pension reforms that would raise the retirement age in France by two years to 64 by 2030 and increase the time workers have to pay social security contributions from 42 to 43 by 2027 to reach a full state pension.

The country has erupted in protests in recent months. In early April, protesters in Paris stormed the headquarters of luxury giant LVMH while thousands took to the streets smashing pots and pans. Last month, more than 300 French film and television personalities – including Juliette Binoche, Berenice Bejo, Alice Diop and Michel Hazanavicius – signed a petition opposing the reforms.

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