France I - The Strikes

Perhaps it is French laicité , a concept going back to the French revolution, that is behind this regular screwing up of the pre-Christmas period by French unions. December seems to be the month, in which they like to make life miserable for their own countryfolk and terrorise whoever is in power. 

On a more serious note, it must also be the French revolution that explains the mega-aggression, whenever the French go on strikes. Blocking the roads throughout the country is standard. Some years ago, I read that a French historian explained the difference in striking patterns between France, where strike action often precedes negotiations, and other countries, in which strikes will be undertaken when negotiations fail. The French are proud of their revolution and consequently there seems to be more acceptance of violent behaviour to further one’s aims. Guillotine anyone?

The latest strikes have come about to prevent Macron’s government from going ahead with its plans to reform the pension system. I can well understand the frustration of many, who feel that the rich are getting richer, whilst they are facing old-age with not much bread and definitely no cakes.

They are right but preventing a reform in the pension system will not put the burden on the rich. It will simply pass the burden to the next generation: that is, to the children of those who are striking. Is that what the strikers want?