Riot threat to tourists
BRITISH holidaymakers travelling to France were yesterday warned to expect nationwide walkouts, fuel shortages and violent protests.
With at least 4,600 petrol stations run dry and nuclear power workers joining the strikes, trade unionists predicted “absolute chaos”.
Yesterday was the eighth official day of strikes that have hit oil refineries, ports and now power plants.
Protesters are blocking bridges and roads while motorists across France queue for petrol or try desperately to find service stations that are open.
Angry
It comes on the eve of the Bank Holiday weekend – when thousands of Britons head across the Channel – and just two weeks before the Euro 2016 football championships which France is hosting.
The civil aviation authority yesterday recommended airlines cut flights at Paris Orly airport by 15 per cent.
On what was dubbed Black Thursday, Jean Durand of the powerful CGT union hit out against labour reforms that make it easier to hire and fire.
He said: “The nation is angry and has every right to express itself. That’s the reason we will be marching in cities like Paris and why we will continue our protests until the government backs down.” The CGT said 16 of France’s 19 nuclear power stations have voted to join the strike, raising the prospect of the country being plunged into darkness.
The disorder that has seen policemen beaten up and patrol cars set on fire looks set to continue.
Thousands of riot officers were on the streets of Paris yesterday where anarchists were planning to join the protest. One officer warned rioting was inevitable. “As soon as the crowds gather, the thugs start to smash up property and attack us with everything they can get hold of,” he said.