Protests and strike action have sprung up across France and its capital, Paris, after the French government rushed through a contentious bill to raise the country's retirement age this week – resulting in flight cancellations, demonstrations and tonnes of trash piling up. So what does this mean for those expecting to travel to Paris or France in the next few days? Here's everything to know.
Why are there strikes in Paris?
The strikes and protests are being helmed by French people who are angered at the government's intention to raise the country's retirement age. After widespread controversy around the move (which shifts the retirement age in France from 62 to 64), President Macron's government effectively forced the bill through parliament without a vote. The move escalated long-standing gripes about the change and triggered protests that are still ongoing at the time of writing (Friday 31 March 2023).
Which sectors are striking?
Many public sectors have chosen to strike over the issue, including rubbish disposal, teachers and public transport officials. Flights have been cancelled due to an air traffic controllers strike (20 per cent of flights from Paris-Orly and Marseille-Provence airports were cancelled on Tuesday 21 March and Wednesday 22 March). This weekend (1 and 2 April), scores more flights will be cancelled. 20 per cent of flights leaving Toulouse and Bordeaux airports will be cancelled on Saturday. 25 per cent of flights at Paris-Orly airport and 20 per cent of flights leaving Toulouse, Bordeaux and Nantes airports will be cancelled on Sunday. The Paris metro might be affected on some days – always check before you travel.
Is it safe to visit Paris at the moment?
At the moment, the Foreign Office doesn't advise against travel to France. It does warn of disruption and delays thanks to ongoing cross-sector strike action this week and advises UK travellers to keep checking up-to-date local media to keep informed about what's going on in Paris and across France. Gov.uk states, “Protests could turn violent and/or continue. These could lead to disruptions to road travel.”
The official page also says, “You should monitor the media, check the latest advice with operators before travelling, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.”
What should I expect if I am visiting Paris soon?
Basically, expect your trip to be disrupted. As we've stated, flights are being delayed and cancelled, and public transport (trains, buses etc) are being affected by the strikes. There could be road closures or delays.
Paris in particular is making headlines at the moment because of the amount of rubbish building up in the streets as disposal workers are on strike, too. Some news outlets report that as much as 10,000 tonnes of trash have built up in the streets. The disposal strike ended this week, but it will take time for workers to clear the huge amount of rubbish on the streets. Meanwhile, monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre have been forced to close on some days this week.
There are also ongoing protests, with some of those taking part detained by the police.
When will the protests and strikes in Paris and France end?
That's the golden question. Thursday 23 March was marked as a day of cross-sector strike action, but we said last week that disruption could continue beyond this date – and it has. More strike action has been declared on Thursday 6 April, for example.
The French government narrowly survived a vote of no confidence this week, and the bill is going ahead – so the protests don't show any sign of dying down soon.
We'll keep updating this piece as more information becomes available.