Public transport is generally paralyzed. The services of the subway lines, the Paris suburban rail service, regional trains, and air transport were halted. It is the first protest against Sarkozy’s policies after the outbreak of the financial crisis. The national day of protest against the economic and social policy of the French government is the first major test of strength between the unions and President Nicolas Sarkozy. Trade unions call for massive state spending to help the unemployed workers and to deal with the consequences of the economic crisis.
The protests are the French people’s reaction to Sarkozy’s poor handling of the financial crisis. The people want the government to protect workers’ jobs and wages. They are livid that the French government has slanted its financial support towards bailing out French banks, and declaring insufficient funds to raise wages and consumer spending.
People’s protests have affected all major French cities. The strikes have affected schools, government offices, and post offices, among others. France has not seen this kind of national day of protest since 1995. The protest action has garnered popular support with polls showing that 70 percent of all the people support the action. The impact of the strike has ultimately proven to be quite modest. 75 percent of workers had gone to work. The Paris Metro ran at 75 percent of its performance.
Via BBC
