For most Frenchmen and women, social benefits like long vacations, state-subsidized health care and early retirement mean more than mere luxuries. For them, such things are a birthright and regarded as an important part of present France’s identity.

There have been protests and strife against the government which plans to increase the age of retirement up to 62 years. There have demonstrations on the streets of Marseille by five members of the Eric Gilly clan.

Their demand is that the retirement age should be kept at 60 years. It is not just about luxury, but also something that their parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents had fought for in the past. At present, these people are seeing that they are losing all that they have fought for. They are not ready to accept this.

For the purpose of the protest against President Nicolas Sarkozy's new retirement plan in Marseille, docks have been closed and huge amounts of garbage have been left on sidewalks. The protest has attracted ten thousands of protestors onto the streets since September.

Retirement, by these people, is held higher than a higher salary, thereby making this issue a significantly sensitive one.