48-hour walkout in France over controversial pension reforms

ANKARA

Workers and students are taking part in a massive 48-hour walkout in France against the government’s controversial pension reform plans, local media reported Tuesday.

The plans that have triggered public outrage include raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 in 2030 and also requiring at least 43 years of work to be eligible for full pensions.

The third round of strikes began on Monday evening, and the General Labor Confederation's (CGT) energy workers launched a 48-hour walkout including oil refineries.

On Twitter, national railway operator SNCF and Parisian regional transport operator RATP also announced serious disruptions in train services.

Striking workers of the French electricity company EDF on Monday to Tuesday night cut electricity production by nearly 4,500 megawatts (MW) – equal to the output of more than four nuclear reactors.

High school and college students are also involved in the movement.

Entrance to over a dozen high schools was blocked in the Parisian region on Tuesday morning.

After clashes with the police in front of Racine high school in Paris, police arrested three people for acting aggressively towards the officers, broadcaster BFMTV said.

Students of Paris 1 University blocked the Tolbiac campus, refusing to attend classes.

As it did on Jan. 31, the Paris Municipality also closed to show solidarity with the movement.

Other demonstrations have also been planned across the country.

Authorities predicted some 900,000 to 1 million French will take to the streets on Tuesday.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Twitter on Monday said that 11,000 police officers will ensure security during the protests, including 4,000 in Paris alone.

Previous protests were held on Jan. 19 and Jan. 31.