The events in France related to the austerity cuts are seen as pivotal for working people. Because France is seen as a test case, the capitalist ruling classes everywhere are watching and waiting to see how far they can push working people. If they can get away with it in France where workers are more class conscious, they figure they can apply the cuts in every capitalist country. I think the author is absolutely correct.
The world watches as France once again erupts in protests, demonstrations, and strikes. So much is at stake. If France's corporate-dominated government is able to increase the retirement age, other governments will be empowered to follow through with their plans to do the same.
If labor, student, and community groups succeed in stopping the pension reform -- or toppling the government -- workers in other countries will likewise be inspired to fight back and organize in the French fashion.
The worldwide recession has encouraged business-focused governments to pursue the kind of anti-worker policies they've been discussing for years. There is common agreement among these governments on a global scale as to the necessity for these polices. Working people disagree.
