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Overhauling of retirement system: France shuts down Eiffel Tower as thousands strike

TEXT AND  PHOTO BY M. M. ALAM

PARIS: The authorities had shut the Eiffel Tower down and stopped functioning of high-speed trains as several thousand people protested in here yesterday (5th of December, 2019) over the government’s plan to overhaul the retirement system.

Six thousand policemen had been deployed in the capital – particularly around the presidential residence – as activists (many yellow-vests) gathered here to demonstrate against President’s reforms. 

Due to possible agitation many including the US energy secretary had cancelled plans to visit France. Louvre Museum warned of strike disruptions, and subway stations across Paris shut their gates.

M M Alam

M. M. Alam is a Pakistan-based working journalist since 1981. Karachi University faculty gold medalist Alam began his career four decades ago by writing for Dawn, Pakistan’s highest circulating English daily. He has worked for region’s leading publications, global aviation periodicals including Rotors (of USA) and vetted New York Times as permanent employee of daily Express Tribune. Alam regularly covers international aviation and defense-related events including Salon Du Bourget (France), Farnborough (United Kingdom), Dubai (UAE). Alam has reported thousands of events and interviewed hundreds of people in Pakistan, UAE, EU, UK and USA. Being Francophone Alam also coordinates with a number of French publications.