Demonstrations in Paris as thousands protest government pension reform plan

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) - Nationwide demonstrations were held Saturday in Paris and other cities in France with thousands protesting the government's pension reform plan, according to media reports.

It is the seventh demonstration against the plan which triggered public outrage when it was announced last year.

Workers in some sectors including oil refineries, railway transportation, airports, and garbage collection decided to extend the walkouts which started on Tuesday, thus causing disruptions.

Paris municipality on Thursday announced that 3,700 tons of garbage have not been collected since March 6, Le Figaro newspaper said.

Protests started earlier in cities such as Nice and Toulouse, while thousands started rallying in Paris in the afternoon.

French intelligence is expecting between 800,000 and 1 million protesters on Saturday, according to local broadcaster BFMTV.

Paris alone is expected to host up to 100,000 protesters, it added.

Trade unions previously asked to be received by President Emmanuel Macron, a demand which the latter refused.

The General Labor Confederation (CGT) Secretary General Philippe Martinez on Saturday called on the president to ask for the people's opinion on the reform project.