France is in the midst of crippling train and subway strikes as French President Emmanuel Macron tries to re-shape the countries pension system. 9News
"Monument Closed" read a sign on the glass wall circling the base of the Eiffel Tower, which was shut for the second time since the strike, one of the most protracted France has seen in years, started December 5."It's very frustrating for us, unfortunately," South African tourist Victor Hellberg said, gazing up at the 19th century landmark. "We had decided to be here for one day and that's life I suppose.
With riot police watching closely, protesters carrying humorous signs and colourful costumes marched past the historic Bastille plaza. On the steps of the opera house overlooking the monument, workers sang famous arias and played instruments to defend their special retirement plan. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe confirmed new negotiations with unions starting Wednesday, but showed no sign of backing down.
Hospitals requisitioned workers to ensure key services Tuesday, as nurses, doctors and pharmacists went on strike to save a once-vaunted public hospital system that's struggling after years of cost cuts.Tuesday's protests upped the pressure on Macron, whose key architect of his pension overhaul had toUnions fear people will have to work longer for lower pensions, and polls suggest at least of half of French people still support the strike.
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