Macron faces risk of protests spreading in wake of oil strike
POLITICOOct 17, 2022
Three weeks into a refinery strike that caused fuel shortages across France, anger about inflation led tens of thousands of protesters to take to the streets of Paris on Sunday to express their frustration with the rising cost of living, climate change, and the government of Pres. Macron.
The protest organizers described the protest as a "march against the high cost of living and climate inaction." The group urged deeper investment in climate issues, emergency steps to combat inflation - including freezes in the price of energy, basic goods, and rent - and greater taxation of energy companies' massive profits.
Discontent is rising among French voters amid high inflation and the war in Ukraine. Sunday's march in Paris was a protest of people who are hungry, cold, worried about the environment, and want better pay. The general strike on Tuesday will hopefully whip up public opposition to pressure the government over these pressing issues.
French oil refineries have been shut down by striking, causing severe fuel shortages all over the country. The French government is hoping the general strike called for Tuesday will not spread to other sectors. If the left's irresponsible behavior leads to further chaos, the government might again have to use its requisition powers to force workers back to their posts.