Topline
Britain’s King Charles III’s state visit to France has been postponed, the French president’s office announced on Friday, as widespread social unrest and mass protests over proposed pension reforms continue to rock the country.
King Charles’ state visit to France was delayed amid mass protests.
Key Facts
The decision to postpone was made after unions called for another day of nationwide strikes on Tuesday, France’s Elysée Palace said in a statement.
The Elysée said the decision was made jointly between French and British governments and followed a call between the British monarch and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday.
The demonstrations would likely have caused considerable disruption to the visit, which was originally due to begin on Sunday and finish on Wednesday, with the King spending time in both Paris and Bordeaux.
The Elysée did not indicate when the state visit might now occur but said it hopes to reschedule as soon as possible.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, “greatly look forward to the opportunity to visit France as soon as dates can be found.”
The trip was set to be Charles’ first foreign visit since ascending to the throne last year, a distinction now reserved for Germany at the end of March.
News Peg
France has been rocked by widespread civil unrest and mass protests over unpopular pension reforms being pushed through by Macron’s government. The reforms, which would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, have provoked outrage and were already expected to cast a shadow over Charles’ visit. In particular, Macron’s aides were reportedly concerned protestors might target Charles, a privileged and wealthy man by virtue of his birth alone, particularly during a banquet slated to be held at Versailles, which housed Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette before they were guillotined. Protests erupted into violence on Thursday and hundreds of people have been arrested. Bordeaux’s town hall was also set ablaze as protestors clashed with police.
Further Reading
Bordeaux town hall set on fire in France pension protests (BBC)
Strikes, Marches and Clashes in France Amid Anger Over Pension Law (NYT)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2023/03/24/king-charles-postpones-france-state-visit-after-pension-protests-turn-violent/