Reform is generally connoted with improvement. Making it better. Folks out in the streets see it as opposite of better.
Economist, "reforms." Yes, techincally, reform = form again, form differently, in its most neutral connotation. However - - -
Independent, "reforms." BBC, "reforms." Lemond, english online edition, "pension reform protests."
Other timely coverage: Guardian, "French protests." Times of India, "Pension protests." Reuters, "French pension standoff." https://www.thelocal.fr/ headlines it: 'It's bigger than pensions now' - Why French people are continuing to protest
WaPo leaves out reference to the pension basis of discord in headlining, "French police hit by claims they're too tough on protesters."
The man in this Economist image appears to see no positive aspect to any Macron "reform."
This one does use in a subheadline "controversial pension reform bill" but a screen capture shows discontent, perhaps anger, in a mood:
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| click screen capture to enlarge |
There was a film, "Is Paris Burning," which may have colored headlining.
One thing appears clear. While neither Strib nor PiPress have coverage today online about France, the discord is still strong, protesters have not caved in, Macron is unyielding so far, and the people of France have a will toward protest of economic government actions which are eating away of rights which is a will generally absent in the USA.
Yes, there was Occupy Wall Street, but U.S. mainstream media in lockstep belittled the protesting while police were brutal but uncriticized in an event before George Floyd was murdered by four Minnesota cops, with one the prime perpetrator.
And while the Occupy movement was just, the bulk of the U.S. population accepted how things were portrayed by U.S. mainstream media to where Occupy failed.
Given media in our nation, if there is a next time, expect the same coverage Occupy got. Half-assed and biased.