22 Mar 2023 | 05:04 PM UTC
France: Activists likely to continue nationwide protests, strikes against pension reform through late March /update 9
Activists likely to continue strikes, protests against pension reform into late March. Nationwide strike planned March 23.
Event
Widespread civil unrest related to pension reforms will likely continue causing nationwide disruptions in France through late March.
Labor unions and activist groups are continuing a campaign of strike and protest action denouncing pension reform as of March 22. Demonstrations are widespread and take place daily in most major cities, particularly in Paris, where demonstrators typically gather near the National Assembly on Rue de l'Universite. Dockers and other port workers are blocking port access in Marseille and Le Havre, while port workers in Saint-Nazaire are blocking the Saint-Nazaire Bridge, disrupting bridge and port operations, on March 22.
Protesters are increasingly blocking major roads, typically ring roads close to major cities, and obstructing access to transport hubs such as bus and train depots. Clashes have broken out, and police have resorted to using teargas in several locations in recent days.
As of March 22, strike action is continuing in several sectors. The national railway operator, SNCF, warns of disruption to intercity and regional train services. The RATP network in the Paris region is also impacted, with two out of three trains running on several lines.
A further nationwide multi-sector strike is planned on March 23. On Paris' Metro and RER lines, between 25 and 75 percent of services will be canceled per line. The SNCF indicates 50 percent of TGV services and 60 percent of TER services nationwide will be canceled. Intercity trains will also be significantly disrupted. SNCF-operated RER services in Ile-de-France will only operate 20-40 percent of services per line.
In the aviation sector, an air traffic controllers strike on March 23 has prompted authorities to request airport officials at Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) reduce inbound and outbound flight services by 30 percent and by 20 percent at other airports, including Marseille-Provence (MRS), Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS) and Lyon-Saint Exupery (LYS).
Industrial action in oil refineries is impacting fuel supplies, despite authorities ordering workers at some depots to resume work, including at the Fos depot. Fuel service stations are experiencing some shortages of fuel, particularly in Marseille and the south of France. More severe shortages are possible in the coming days. Additionally, garbage collectors have extended their strike through March 27.
Nationwide demonstrations are planned for March 23. The largest protest will likely be in Paris, where protesters will gather in Place de la Bastille from 14:00. Tens of thousands are likely to attend, based on previous events.
The unrest shows no signs of abating, and the government has given no indication of willingness to abandon its pension reform initiative; hence, planned and unplanned protests will probably continue through at least the end of March. Authorities will maintain an increased security presence near any demonstrations that materialize, as well as near government buildings. Large crowds and associated security measures, including road closures and movement restrictions, will result in localized transport disruptions. Clashes between activists and security services are possible; riot police may use tear gas or similar measures to disperse unruly crowds.
Context
Disruptive demonstrations broke out in cities nationwide on March 16 in reaction to the government invoking Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to pass the pension reform without the requirement of a vote in the National Assembly. The reform raises the retirement age from 62 to 64, and has prompted widespread civil unrest through early 2023. President Emanuel Macron's government narrowly survived two no-confidence votes in the National Assembly in recent days, clearing the way for the bill to become law. Further protests are almost certain.
Advice
Confirm all transport reservations as well as public- and private-sector appointments through late March, including at public health centers and other government facilities. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate personal exposure to any associated disruptions. Allow extra time for travel in major cities. Heed instructions from local authorities and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.
