By Caroline Pailliez

PARIS (Reuters – Isabelle-Touria Boumhi, a 60-year old nurse assistant says that backing Marine Le Pen or Emmanuel Macron in France’s presidential election would be like choosing between the plague and cholera.

She didn’t vote. She is instead preparing for the May Day demonstrations on Sunday.

Boumhi said that she would block any attempts to repress the pro-business reforms of Macron, which could be a hint at what Macron will face if he continues to press ahead with his plan to increase retirement age.

It’s the only route we have to get something”, said the single mother. With a salary just below 2,000 euros (about $2,107), she has to count every dollar to provide for her family, including her 22-year old daughter who is studying.

“I used to give myself an occasional treat, but after I paid my electricity bill, the rent is paid. It would be difficult for me to take holidays.”

Macron will be facing a similar theme ahead of the June legislative elections. Macron and his party must win these elections if they are to carry out their policies.

His government has set up price caps to limit increases in electricity and gasoline prices. He also promised additional steps such as increasing pensions to help consumers keep their purchasing power while there is a sharp rise in the price of gas.

However, inflation rose to a record 5.4% in April. While growth stagnated in the first three quarters, it gave fuel to protestors and fodder for street demonstrations.

‘ANGER’

Boumhi received a monthly bonus of 228 euros on top of her salary last year as part of the government’s efforts to better healthcare workers. But that hasn’t quelled her fury or allowed her to enjoy more comfortable living arrangements.

Elle will march for wage increases on Sunday and push Macron to lower his plans to make the retirement age 65 instead of 62. She stated that if she doesn’t receive anything, the situation could get worse. There’s a lot anger.

Philippe Martinez will participate in the May Day rally on Sunday as the leader of the CGT union.

He also has quite a few messages of support for the government.

Martinez said in an interview that the government must address the problem of purchasing power by increasing wages.

Martinez said that Macron cannot do the same thing he did last year, where he thought that all who voted in his favor agreed with his program.” Martinez stressed that Macron was supported both times by many people not to support his platform but because it would prevent Marine Le Pen being elected.

CGT calls on workers to put pressure on Macron by striking after May Day rallies and in the streets. He stressed that Macron would consider himself free to pursue anti-social reforms even if there are no demands on him.

Even Laurent Berger from the CFDT union was more moderate and urged Macron to pay attention to worker demands in a Le Monde tribune.

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