Chirac launches attack on European Commission

FRENCH President Jacques Chirac was severely critical yesterday of the European Commission, saying it did not appear to be defending European interests.

The job of European institutions is to “defend Europe, the economic, financial and social interests of Europe,” Mr Chirac said at a news conference.

But the EU’s executive commission “does not give the impression” it is doing that and, in discussions at the World Trade Organisation, is “going from one concession to another.”

Commuters and travellers in France faced unusually crowded roads, railway stations and Metro platforms today as transportation workers took part in a nationwide one-day strike.

The walkout, which included teachers, utility personnel and some private sector workers, was to register discontent with government economic and labour policies as parliament returned after a 10-week holiday.

It was the first major test for Dominique de Villepin’s government, formed just four months ago.

Just two-thirds of Paris buses and Metro trains were expected to run on what the daily newspaper Le Parisien predicted would be a ‘Black Tuesday’.

In south-western Bordeaux, the regional transport operator said only 25% of buses and 75% of trams were operating in the morning rush hour.

Rail unions kicked off the strike.

About one-third of high-speed TGV trains were not expected to run today, worsening to two-thirds on some routes.