French fury at retirement age

WORKERS across France went on strike yesterday in protest at plans to raise the retirement age to 62.

Neighbouring countries suffered along with Paris commuters as walkouts by drivers delayed or cancelled trains from Italy and Switzerland. Some flights were dropped or delayed.

Crowds of protesters filled Marseille’s port and wide Paris avenues, as unions staged nearly 200 marches in several cities over a broad reform to the money-losing pension system, part of efforts around Europe to cut back on growing public debts.