Protests in France continue

France: France is still under a climate of protests and strikes in different sectors such as transport and oil refining, while the conservative Government of President Nicolas Sarkozy appeared determined to go ahead with its reforms.

The fundamental issue of yesterday's strike, which spread to many services, is the changes proposed by the administration to the retirement law.

Two items of the proposed law have received the approval of the Senate: to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62, and the collection of the complete pension from 65 to 67 years of age. The new legislation has already obtained the approval of the National Assembly.

Both houses of Parliament are controlled by the Union for a Popular Movement, the President Sarkozy's party and the trade unions feel betrayed after undertaking long and complex negotiations with the Government over the past few months.

Paris, Prensa Latina