The National Federation of Mines and Energy threatened to cut energy from the Cannes Film Festival and other events in France in defiance of the pension reforms imposed by President Emmanuel Macron's government.

The federation is affiliated with the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) said in a statement, "Macron promised 100 days to restore peace, we promise him 100 days of actions and anger. In May, do what you please! The Cannes festival, the Monaco Grand Prix, the Roland-Garros tournament, the Avignon festival could end up in the dark."

Expert on energy issues, Anna Creti, stated that the Union's threats are credible, saying that the group has the "technical means" to cut electricity flow to the events.

The Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to take place from May 16 to 27. 

French Unions announced that Labor Day on May 1 will witness mass protests by the French in a show of opposition to the controversial reforms which were forced through by Macron.

The reforms, which bypassed a democratic vote by the French parliament after Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, were approved by France Constitutional Council on April 14. The main article that faced fierce opposition from French workers, related to enforcing a 2-year extension on the age of retirement, was found in line with the French constitution by the Council.

In turn, President Macron signed the legislation into law on the night of April 15 a process which some described as smuggling the law through in the dead of night.