Millions march in France against pension cuts: "Millions of workers and students took to the streets across France Thursday to protest final approval by the National Assembly of President Nicolas Sarkozy's pension 'reform' bill. The French economy was still crippled by gasoline shortages due to ongoing refinery and port strikes.
The General Confederation of Labor (CGT) estimated that about 2 million people participated in the day of action, down from 3.5 million in the previous national mobilization, held October 19. The government, which has given lowball estimates of previous days of action, said the turnout was 560,000 as compared to 1.1 million on October 19.
The demonstration had overwhelming popular support, with 65 percent of the population approving it, according to the most recent Le Parisien poll. The Sarkozy government, on the other hand, has fallen in recent polls to a record low 29 percent approval rating.
In line with numerous statements by government and media officials aimed at discouraging strike action, Labor Minister Eric Woerth said the 'significant slowdown of the mobilization' meant there could be 'an exit from the crisis in coming days or weeks.'"
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