DThe strikes at French refineries, which have been going on for about three weeks, are expected to spread to the railways, Parisian public transport, schools and daycare centers and public services on Tuesday. In the midst of the tense situation, several trade unions and left-wing opposition politicians have called for cross-industry protests against high prices and the planned pension reform.
The trigger is the government’s intervention in the long-running strikes in the refineries. The government has forced staff to work because there has been a lack of fuel at around 30 percent of the gas stations for more than a week. The unions are demanding respect for the right to strike and higher wages, pensions and social benefits.
Already on Sunday there was a demonstration in Paris against high prices and “climate passivity”, in which around 30,000 people took part. The left-wing opposition alliance Nupes is hoping for pressure from the streets on the government of President Emmanuel Macron, who wants to raise the retirement age from 62 to 65. There is also resentment because many people can no longer fill up reliably and are afraid that they will no longer be able to come to work. In addition, plans for the autumn holidays beginning this weekend are getting mixed up. Concern is therefore spreading in the Elysée Palace that the situation could spark protests similar to those of the yellow vests in 2018 and 2019. At that time, the increase in taxes on fuel was the trigger for extensive social protests.
