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Live Updates: As France Strikes, Commuters Suffer and Protests Start Live Updates: As France Strikes, Commuters Suffer and Protests Start
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A protest against changes to France’s pension system brought parts of the country to a grinding halt on Thursday, with nationwide strikes shutting down transportation and leaving schools and hospitals unstaffed and basic government services unmet.A protest against changes to France’s pension system brought parts of the country to a grinding halt on Thursday, with nationwide strikes shutting down transportation and leaving schools and hospitals unstaffed and basic government services unmet.
Commuters struggled to find ways to get to work as subways in Paris were largely shut, children left for school early and only about one in eight suburban trains were running in many areas, if they were running at all.Commuters struggled to find ways to get to work as subways in Paris were largely shut, children left for school early and only about one in eight suburban trains were running in many areas, if they were running at all.
Throughout the country, workers stayed home to register opposition to the proposed changes pushed by President Emmanuel Macron. The widespread participation in the strike suggested deep social discontent, creating a new test for the government after its largely successful efforts to tamp down last year’s “Yellow Vest” protests.Throughout the country, workers stayed home to register opposition to the proposed changes pushed by President Emmanuel Macron. The widespread participation in the strike suggested deep social discontent, creating a new test for the government after its largely successful efforts to tamp down last year’s “Yellow Vest” protests.
The strikes began on Wednesday night, with workers at the national rail company walking off the job, parts of the Paris subway system shutting down and buses returning to their depots, but the situation is likely to become far more severe as Thursday continues. Hundreds of demonstrations were held across France, and the government deployed thousands of additional police officers in Paris alone amid fears that some could turn violent.
Hundreds of demonstrations were planned across France throughout the day, and the government was expected to deploy some 6,000 police officers in Paris alone amid fears that some could turn violent. Some police stations closed, and 70 percent of elementary-school teachers were set to strike as well. Stores and banks were boarded up, especially along the route of the main demonstration in northern Paris, as the police anticipated hundreds of “casseurs,” or “breakers,” who have caused havoc in previous protests.
Stores and banks were boarded up, especially along the route of the main demonstration in northern Paris scheduled for this afternoon, as the police anticipated hundreds of “casseurs,” or “breakers,” who have caused havoc in previous protests. In Paris, the police announced that officers had carried out 9,350 “preventive checks” and 71 people had been arrested by 3:30 p.m. The checks were widely used by the police during the Yellow Vest rallies to keep those suspected of violent activism from reaching protest areas, a tactic that has also been criticized for infringing upon the right to demonstrate
In Paris, the police announced that officers had carried out over 2,700 “preventive checks” and that eight people had been arrested as of 10:30 a.m. The checks were widely used by the police during the Yellow Vest rallies to keep those suspected of violent activism from reaching protest areas, a tactic that has also been criticized for infringing upon the right to demonstrate. Philippe Martinez, secretary general of the General Confederation of Labour, one of the largest unions opposed to the pension plans, said his group would not back down until the overhaul was scrapped, calling instead for an improvement of the current system.
While the protest planned for Thursday afternoon in Paris was expected to be the day’s biggest, several smaller protests had started in cities including Brest, Grenoble, Lyon and Marseille, as well as in smaller places such as Nevers. “Either you listen, or you continue to be stubborn the way the president has been since he was elected,” Mr. Martinez told reporters at the start of the Paris demonstration. “There is no reason to abandon a system that the whole world is envious of.”
While the protest on Thursday afternoon in Paris was expected to be the day’s biggest, several smaller protests were held in other cities including Brest, Grenoble, Lyon and Marseille.
President Emmanuel Macron is “calm and determined” in the face of Thursday’s strike, though he is concerned about disruptions to daily life, a senior official at the Élysée Palace, the French presidency, told reporters at a news briefing.President Emmanuel Macron is “calm and determined” in the face of Thursday’s strike, though he is concerned about disruptions to daily life, a senior official at the Élysée Palace, the French presidency, told reporters at a news briefing.
Mr. Macron is “watchful that public order be respected, watchful as to the difficulties for French people, and watchful also that the right to strike is respected,” said the aide, who spoke anonymously in line with French government rules. But the aide underlined the president’s determination to see his pension overhaul through.Mr. Macron is “watchful that public order be respected, watchful as to the difficulties for French people, and watchful also that the right to strike is respected,” said the aide, who spoke anonymously in line with French government rules. But the aide underlined the president’s determination to see his pension overhaul through.
The aide was also at pains to dismiss the idea that Mr. Macron had cut himself off from ordinary citizens over the changes. The president has yet to make a comprehensive address explaining his ideas, and his critics say he is out of touch.The aide was also at pains to dismiss the idea that Mr. Macron had cut himself off from ordinary citizens over the changes. The president has yet to make a comprehensive address explaining his ideas, and his critics say he is out of touch.
The government has also been sensitive to the notion that the pension overhaul is complicated and difficult to understand. Mr. Macron wants to get rid of France’s 42 different retirement schemes and replace them with one program managed by the state.The government has also been sensitive to the notion that the pension overhaul is complicated and difficult to understand. Mr. Macron wants to get rid of France’s 42 different retirement schemes and replace them with one program managed by the state.
“No doubt the reform is complex,” the aide said. “But it’s a commitment he’s made.”“No doubt the reform is complex,” the aide said. “But it’s a commitment he’s made.”
France has one of the world’s most generous pension systems, and past efforts to change it have long proven perilous in French politics. But President Emmanuel Macron is pushing ahead, hoping to streamline a byzantine system of 42 different pension plans that collectively are headed toward a $19 billion deficit.France has one of the world’s most generous pension systems, and past efforts to change it have long proven perilous in French politics. But President Emmanuel Macron is pushing ahead, hoping to streamline a byzantine system of 42 different pension plans that collectively are headed toward a $19 billion deficit.
Mr. Macron proposed merging the various plans, public and private, into one state-managed system, in which workers would accumulate points throughout their careers and then cash them in. He has promoted the idea as a fairer system, but some are concerned that they would be left with lower payouts.Mr. Macron proposed merging the various plans, public and private, into one state-managed system, in which workers would accumulate points throughout their careers and then cash them in. He has promoted the idea as a fairer system, but some are concerned that they would be left with lower payouts.
For some, demonstrations in 1995 against attempts to overhaul pensions and other social services were front of mind on Thursday. In that instance, millions protested in November and December, and strikes paralyzed the country for three weeks until the government backed down.For some, demonstrations in 1995 against attempts to overhaul pensions and other social services were front of mind on Thursday. In that instance, millions protested in November and December, and strikes paralyzed the country for three weeks until the government backed down.
But Mr. Macron’s government has tried to dispel any notion that 2019 will prove similar, noting that in 1995, the changes were not part of President Jacques Chirac’s electoral platform — unlike Mr. Macron’s were — and that major unions and other groups had not been consulted.But Mr. Macron’s government has tried to dispel any notion that 2019 will prove similar, noting that in 1995, the changes were not part of President Jacques Chirac’s electoral platform — unlike Mr. Macron’s were — and that major unions and other groups had not been consulted.
This time, the government has been discussing the project with labor unions, though the groups have expressed frustration with the lack of specifics.This time, the government has been discussing the project with labor unions, though the groups have expressed frustration with the lack of specifics.
The strikes are not directly tied to last year’s Yellow Vest protests, which channeled deeper discontent into a movement that brought tens of thousands of people into the streets and extracted economic concessions from the government. But the Yellow Vests said they would join the new protest, as did a wide spectrum of unions and political parties. The protests have drawn comparisons with the Yellow Vest demonstrations of 2018 that ultimately forced President Emmanuel Macron to make concessions over fuel prices and government subsidies.
The strikes are not directly tied to last year’s protests, which channeled deeper discontent with economic inequality into a movement that brought tens of thousands into the streets.
But many Yellow Vest activists have joined the new action, as have a wide spectrum of unions and political parties. Many of those marching in cities across France on Thursday wore the fluorescent vests now ubiquitous among the group.
Ingrid Levavasseur, a nurse and well-known Yellow Vest activist, said she hoped the general strike would bring momentum back to the movement.
“The government is still not listening to us, but they can’t go against the people’s opinion,” Ms. Levavasseur said from her home in Louviers, in northern France. “If the government keeps ignoring our demands, this will go much further than one day of protests.”
Getting to work on Thursday morning was especially challenging for residents of Paris, where all but a few metro lines were completely shut down, and many buses remained idle in their depots.Getting to work on Thursday morning was especially challenging for residents of Paris, where all but a few metro lines were completely shut down, and many buses remained idle in their depots.
At 9 a.m. at the Trocadéro station, the metro entrance was closed. Confusion reigned as commuters checked whether the No. 9 line was up and running. (It was, but only during rush hours, and only on a limited stretch that did not include that station.)At 9 a.m. at the Trocadéro station, the metro entrance was closed. Confusion reigned as commuters checked whether the No. 9 line was up and running. (It was, but only during rush hours, and only on a limited stretch that did not include that station.)
El-Kabir Abdoulhamid, 37, looked at the map on his smartphone and concluded: 25 minutes by foot. He had already taken a packed commuter train from the suburb of Evry, and his full journey would be at least 30 minutes longer than usual.El-Kabir Abdoulhamid, 37, looked at the map on his smartphone and concluded: 25 minutes by foot. He had already taken a packed commuter train from the suburb of Evry, and his full journey would be at least 30 minutes longer than usual.
“But I support their right to strike,’’ said Mr. Abdoulhamid, who works in banking. “It’ll force employers to reflect.”“But I support their right to strike,’’ said Mr. Abdoulhamid, who works in banking. “It’ll force employers to reflect.”
Not everyone was as familiar with the issues. Two teenagers who were headed to school turned away from the station, confused.Not everyone was as familiar with the issues. Two teenagers who were headed to school turned away from the station, confused.
“I don’t even know what this is about,’’ said Kenzo Kemache, 15.“I don’t even know what this is about,’’ said Kenzo Kemache, 15.
“Pensions,’’ said Aboud Diop, 15.“Pensions,’’ said Aboud Diop, 15.
Mr. Kemache voiced his support but noted that the temperature had dipped below freezing. “Couldn’t they have picked a different day?”Mr. Kemache voiced his support but noted that the temperature had dipped below freezing. “Couldn’t they have picked a different day?”
Elsewhere in Paris, one of the few people trickling out of the Châtelet station was Sophie Prévost, 60, an assistant editor at a small French magazine, who said she was part of the Yellow Vest movement. She said she was making her way to the Gare du Nord, another major station, to join what was expected to be a large protest in the afternoon.Elsewhere in Paris, one of the few people trickling out of the Châtelet station was Sophie Prévost, 60, an assistant editor at a small French magazine, who said she was part of the Yellow Vest movement. She said she was making her way to the Gare du Nord, another major station, to join what was expected to be a large protest in the afternoon.
“Retirees are going to be losing a lot of money,” Ms. Prévost said. “We need to stand up to put a stop to this.”“Retirees are going to be losing a lot of money,” Ms. Prévost said. “We need to stand up to put a stop to this.”
Châtelet, a major metro hub and station for regional trains, was empty by late morning, and virtually all the stores inside were closed. A screen displayed all lines to the outer suburbs of Paris as being on strike, as well as most Paris metro lines.Châtelet, a major metro hub and station for regional trains, was empty by late morning, and virtually all the stores inside were closed. A screen displayed all lines to the outer suburbs of Paris as being on strike, as well as most Paris metro lines.
A scattering of security guards and cleaners working in the giant shopping mall Les Halles, which is connected to the station, said they had woken up earlier than usual to take trains in from the suburbs before transport was halted. A scattering of security guards and cleaners working in the giant shopping mall Les Halles, which is connected to the station, said they had woken up earlier than usual to take trains in from the suburbs.
“I can’t afford not to work,” said one cleaner who would only give his first name, Manu, as he washed the floor in front of an empty escalator. He said he was employed on minimum wage for a cleaning company subcontracted by the mall. “I know people are striking over pensions, but it makes things a lot harder.”“I can’t afford not to work,” said one cleaner who would only give his first name, Manu, as he washed the floor in front of an empty escalator. He said he was employed on minimum wage for a cleaning company subcontracted by the mall. “I know people are striking over pensions, but it makes things a lot harder.”
The Gare de Lyon, a major hub in eastern Paris that has an elegant clock tower and from where trains leave for cities such as Lyon and Marseille, was nearly empty. There seemed to be more national rail employees wearing red vests to help stranded travelers than travelers themselves. The Gare de Lyon, a major hub in eastern Paris that has an elegant clock tower and from where trains leave for cities such as Lyon and Marseille, was nearly empty. One traveler, Alexandra, 28, who declined to give her last name, was trying not to fall asleep, bundled up in a scarf to ward off the biting cold. She said she was waiting for a train to visit family in Lyon, but it had been canceled, and she now had to wait several hours for the next one.
One traveler, Alexandra, 28, who declined to give her last name, was trying not to fall asleep, bundled up in a scarf to ward off the biting cold. She said she was waiting for a train to visit family in Lyon, but it had been canceled, and she now had to wait several hours for the next one.
While she felt concerned by pension changes, she said, she disagreed with the strike.While she felt concerned by pension changes, she said, she disagreed with the strike.
“It’s inconvenient,” she said, adding that for tourists, like those on their way to see the famed festival of lights in Lyon, “It gives a bad image of France.”“It’s inconvenient,” she said, adding that for tourists, like those on their way to see the famed festival of lights in Lyon, “It gives a bad image of France.”
With a large number of employees taking part in the protests, the Eiffel Tower was also closed, as well as the Musée d’Orsay. The Louvre was open, though visitors were not able to see all of the collections, and the Palace of Versailles was recommending that visitors reschedule for a later date.
While the government has laid out the broad outlines of the pension overhaul, no detailed legislation has yet been put forth — and probably will not be until later this month. That lack of clarity, and a general lack of trust in Mr. Macron, has left many French people wondering if they might lose out, even if they support changes to the notoriously complicated pension system.
But when people strike in France, Alexandra said, “they don’t do it halfway.”But when people strike in France, Alexandra said, “they don’t do it halfway.”
As commuters struggled in Paris, those living in France’s other cities and towns had even fewer options for travel, with most high-speed trains and express regional services canceled.As commuters struggled in Paris, those living in France’s other cities and towns had even fewer options for travel, with most high-speed trains and express regional services canceled.
Trains in major cities like Lyon and Strasbourg were largely halted, and most of the trains that connect cities such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille and Nantes were stationary.Trains in major cities like Lyon and Strasbourg were largely halted, and most of the trains that connect cities such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille and Nantes were stationary.
The usually busy platforms in Lille and Marseille were empty, according to local reports. Trips to Amsterdam, Brussels and London were also disrupted, with half of the Eurostar trains and a third of the Thalys trains that link France with other European cities suspended. France’s state-owned railway company has vowed to provide regular updates on service, but the disruptions are likely to drag on through the end of the week. The ecology minister, Élisabeth Borne, has already said that there would be no “noticeable improvement” on Friday.The usually busy platforms in Lille and Marseille were empty, according to local reports. Trips to Amsterdam, Brussels and London were also disrupted, with half of the Eurostar trains and a third of the Thalys trains that link France with other European cities suspended. France’s state-owned railway company has vowed to provide regular updates on service, but the disruptions are likely to drag on through the end of the week. The ecology minister, Élisabeth Borne, has already said that there would be no “noticeable improvement” on Friday.
As a result, requests for carpooling, a popular option in France, have boomed. On BlaBlaCar, a leading platform for ride sharing in France, trips have doubled and daily subscriptions are 10 times higher, according to the company.As a result, requests for carpooling, a popular option in France, have boomed. On BlaBlaCar, a leading platform for ride sharing in France, trips have doubled and daily subscriptions are 10 times higher, according to the company.
Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, the French junior minister for transportation, told reporters at midday that many French people seemed to have made alternative arrangements such as choosing to take a day off, to work from home or to carpool.Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, the French junior minister for transportation, told reporters at midday that many French people seemed to have made alternative arrangements such as choosing to take a day off, to work from home or to carpool.
“The French had internalized that it was going to be complicated to travel,” Mr. Djebbari said. But he added that the government was expecting similar disruptions on Friday and early next week.“The French had internalized that it was going to be complicated to travel,” Mr. Djebbari said. But he added that the government was expecting similar disruptions on Friday and early next week.
Prime Minister Édouard Philippe was expected to give more details about the pension overhaul next week.Prime Minister Édouard Philippe was expected to give more details about the pension overhaul next week.
Along the normally bustling Rue St.-Denis in central Paris, almost every store was shuttered.Along the normally bustling Rue St.-Denis in central Paris, almost every store was shuttered.
At one clinic, only a handful of patients and doctors milled about. Most doctors had canceled appointments for the next two days, and the waiting room was nearly empty.At one clinic, only a handful of patients and doctors milled about. Most doctors had canceled appointments for the next two days, and the waiting room was nearly empty.
Diego Piemental, 34, a manager at a nearby hair salon, gestured to his only client on Thursday afternoon. His bookings had fallen by more than half, he said.Diego Piemental, 34, a manager at a nearby hair salon, gestured to his only client on Thursday afternoon. His bookings had fallen by more than half, he said.
“It’s close to a holiday, when business is normally up,” he said. “And if the shops remain closed, tourists won’t come here, so that will mean even fewer clients.”“It’s close to a holiday, when business is normally up,” he said. “And if the shops remain closed, tourists won’t come here, so that will mean even fewer clients.”
With a large number of employees taking part in the protests, the Eiffel Tower was also closed, as well as the Musée d’Orsay. The Louvre was open, though visitors were not able to see all of the collections, and the Palace of Versailles was recommending that visitors reschedule for a later date.
On most days, the esplanade of the Trocadéro, which provides an ideal vantage point to photograph the Eiffel Tower, is crowded with tourists. But there were only a handful wandering around on Thursday.On most days, the esplanade of the Trocadéro, which provides an ideal vantage point to photograph the Eiffel Tower, is crowded with tourists. But there were only a handful wandering around on Thursday.
“We haven’t sold anything today,” said Zehar Chakri, 31, whose family owns a nearby kiosk. “December is usually our best month.”“We haven’t sold anything today,” said Zehar Chakri, 31, whose family owns a nearby kiosk. “December is usually our best month.”
Most flights into Charles de Gaulle Airport, which serves Paris, had been canceled by airlines earlier this week in anticipation of the disruption from the national strike, which includes industrial action at Air France and by some air traffic controllers.Most flights into Charles de Gaulle Airport, which serves Paris, had been canceled by airlines earlier this week in anticipation of the disruption from the national strike, which includes industrial action at Air France and by some air traffic controllers.
Tourism officials and workers in other French cities have expressed concern about the impact of the walkout, especially during the December holiday season. The authorities in Lyon and Strasbourg have reported widespread cancellations by tourists.Tourism officials and workers in other French cities have expressed concern about the impact of the walkout, especially during the December holiday season. The authorities in Lyon and Strasbourg have reported widespread cancellations by tourists.
Adam Nossiter, Liz Alderman, Norimitsu Onishi, Aurelien Breeden, Daphné Anglès, Elian Peltier, Elizabeth Paton, Daniel Victor and Michael Wolgelenter contributed reporting.Adam Nossiter, Liz Alderman, Norimitsu Onishi, Aurelien Breeden, Daphné Anglès, Elian Peltier, Elizabeth Paton, Daniel Victor and Michael Wolgelenter contributed reporting.