By Nur Asena Erturk
ANKARA (AA) – Workers and students are taking part in a massive 48-hour walkout in France against the government’s controversial pension reform plans, local media reported Tuesday.
The plans, which have triggered public outrage, include raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 in 2030, and also requiring at least 43 years of work to be eligible for full pensions.
The third round of strikes began on Monday evening, and the General Labor Confederation's (CGT) energy workers launched a 48-hour walkout including oil refineries.
On Twitter, the national railway operator SNCF and Parisian regional transport operator RATP also announced serious disruptions in train services
Demonstrations have also been planned across the country.
Authorities predicted some 900,000 to 1 million French will take to the streets on Tuesday.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Twitter on Monday said that 11,000 police officers will ensure security during the protests, including 4,000 in Paris alone.
Previous protests were held on Jan. 19 and Jan. 31.