ParisThousands of residents and travelers are now trapped in Paris because of the biggest strike in local traffic in twelve years. Public transport workers protested against French government pension reform plans.
Ten of the 16 subway lines were completely silent, according to the operator RATP. On four other lines drove trains only at peak hours, also remained some stations closed. Normal traffic was announced only with two automatic lines.Also on buses and certain suburban trains there were significant limitations. Around the capital, congestion of more than 200 kilometers was formed. RATP had asked passengers to refrain from unnecessary trips.
All major unions have called for strikes. They spoke of a „first warning shot“ against the government’s pension plans. Budget Minister Gerald Darmanin commented in the radio station Europe 1 „surprised“ about the strike. The legislation is not yet finished, the government is still consulting with the social partners, he stressed. The French government wants to end the fragmentation in individual systems for certain professions with the great and politically sensitive reform.
