Paris Protesters Take Over LVMH Headquarters
Photo: Bloomberg via: Vogue
The city of Paris in France has been experiencing protests within the past couple of months due to French president Emmanuel Macron's recent policies and regulations, the lastest being raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. This was done to change the country's budget costs and the proposal was unpopular within the government so Macron passed it without having a vote using Article 49.3, which makes it possible for the president to override the parliament wishes and put in place a law. Many unions have been mobilizing and striking in the protests. For example, Paris has been having trash piled up due to trash collectors being on strike.
Photo: Business of Fashion via: Business of Fashion
Recently, 400 protesters from various unions and industries have stormed LVMH (which stands for Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) headquarters on 22 Avenue Montaigne. Protesters used flares and smoke bombs to make their way into the building. Once inside, the protesters chanted about Macron’s recent policy and called for rich companies like LVMH to help with France’s financial pensions. The protesters were not in the building long (they were only there for about 10 minutes), but they made a statement.
Photo: Lewis Joly via CNN
LVMH is one of the leaders in the luxury fashion sector and owns several luxury fashion brands including Bulgari, Fendi, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy (who are all subsidiaries under LVMH) have also reported a 17% raise and made 21 billion euros in revenue in the first quarter of 2023. Bernard Arnault is currently the richest man in the world with a networth of $211 billion. Fabien Villedieu, a Sub-Rail Union representative said, “We come symbolically and peacefully to give an idea to the government: you are looking for money to finance the pensions. Take it from the pockets of billionaires, starting with [LVMH CEO] Bernard Arnault.” LVMH represents wealth through and through and that is why the protests targeted them specifically. LVMH represents the blatant inequalities when it comes to social class in France.
Photo: Ameer Alhalbi via Fashionista
While protesters are asking for this new pension reform to be removed completely, the protesting is deeper than the retirement age changing. The protestors are protesting because they feel that the government is not actively addressing their needs as citizens and is not using their power for good. Macron has been dubbed the ‘president of the rich’ due to his policies heavily benefiting the wealthy elite. There is an obvious disconnect between the current French government and its citizens and the protesters are tired of being unheard. It is unclear how long these protests will go on for, but it is clear that they are putting France on a national political stage and protesters are forcing people to listen to their needs.
