Today it's
the Scallop Fishermen
The French government has forbidden them to fish in areas where there are toxic algae. They are losing a lot of money because of this and want the government to pay them for their lost income.
The Iron Arm (Bras de Fer)
is a French expression that means a showdown. Today there has been a showdown between the truck drivers who threaten to paralyze Paris tomorrow with a thousand big trucks, and the government which is showing an unaccustomed firmness. The police have an order to suspend on the spot the driver's license of anyone using his truck to impede traffic, and the Transport Minister issued an order forbidding the drivers to demonstrate except on foot. Prime Minister Raffarin declared, "The right to strike exists, the right of blocking people does not."
"Seven hundred trucks are on their way," said a truckers' representative. "We're surprised the government would make such a big deal out of this if as few truckers are involved as they say."
My husband just came in from the airport and said the Périphérique [the ring road around Paris] is closed and there are police everywhere.
I do hope they don't block the city. Tomorrow is the day before Thanksgiving and I am preparing dinner for 15 people. There are always some last-minute errands so I really hope the routiers are reasonable.
Comments