This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
French President Emmanuel Macron is facing a major challenge to his plans for radical pension reform, with hundreds of thousands of citizens taking to the streets in protest.
As of Thursday, the strikes have brought key transport services to a standstill, recalling the winter of 1995 when three weeks of huge stoppages forced a social policy U-turn by the then-government.
Unions have vowed a second series of mass demonstrations nationwide on Tuesday, with little easing of the transport freezes expected over the coming days.
Macron's government has insisted that it will not abandon the plan for a single points-based pension scheme, despite the widespread opposition.
Weekend Disruption ¶
The SNCF rail operator has warned that disruption at the weekend will be at the same level as the last two days, with just 10-15 percent of high-speed and regional trains running.
The Paris metro will remain severely disrupted, with nine lines entirely shut and five only partially operational.
Many cancellations are also expected on the international Eurostar and Thalys services.
Published on December 7, 2019.
