Government slams striking unions on eve of Euro '16
June 9, 2016
Paralysis looms as France gears up to host a month-long soccer tournament expected to draw 2 million foreign visitors. Train service is patchy and garbage is piling up in the streets as security concerns loom.
Image: Reuters/P. Wojazer
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France's socialist government is calling on the country's labor unions to abandon their "guerrilla" tactics that threaten to wreak havoc on the Euro 2016 soccer tournament that begins Friday night.
Striking railway workers, garbage collectors and airline pilots all appear ready to grind the country to a halt and let the garbage pile-up just as two million visitors are expected to descend on the country for the month-long tournament.
Environment Minister Segolene Royal said the strikes are creating a "mess" that is threatening to ruin the tournament for all of the visitors, and the French themselves.
"People want things to return to normal, for the mess to end," Royal told iTele, saying it was "not right for a modern country to continue being permanently disrupted."
Officials are not only concerned about the chaos that could be unleashed with millions of visitors struggling to attend a soccer game, or related event, but they also fear their bid for the 2024 Olympics will be further imperiled if chaos prevails during the soccer tournament.
"France's pride is at stake," Royal said. "Let's not harm France's capacity to organize global events."
Chronically high unemployment
The unions are demanding the government withdraw its labor reform bill, which would make it easier for employers to hire and fire workers. That, in turn, should lower the country's chronically high unemployment rate, which has never been over 10 percent the past three years, and has never been under 7 percent in the last 20 years.
Sports Minister Patrick Kanner accused the hardline CGT and Sud unions, which are demanding the withdrawal of a labor reform bill, of "guerrilla" tactics.
"They're spoiling the party," he said. "In spoiling the party, they're spoiling the image of France."
Even without the current strikes, the government has been working diligently to ensure the soccer tournament goes off without a hitch. The country remains under a state of emergency following the November terror attacks that killed at least 130 people in France.
Thierry Braillard, a minister of state for sports, said he didn't think the restrictions would ruin the fun of the games.
"It's organized so that everything is secure at the precise sites," Braillard said. "We cannot accept that there are non-organized gatherings because the security forces don't have the means to secure them."
bik/kms (AFP,dpa)
10 cities hosting the UEFA EURO 2016
The European Championship will be held in France between 10 June and 10 July. From Paris to Marseille, the matches will take place in 10 cities overall. Take a look at what they have to offer.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/G. Horcajuelo
Saint-Denis
The first match takes place at the Stade de France in the Saint-Denis district of Paris. The 2016 European Championship trophy is placed in front of the Basilica of St Denis. Completed in 1144, it is considered the first Gothic church. Marie Antoinette is among the monarchs buried there.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/M.Euler
Lens
A diamond in the rough, this city in northern France has been reinventing itself in recent years. The Louvre-Lens art museum was inaugurated in 2012 and is built on the site of an old coal mine. The city’s abandoned industrial complexes (pictured) add to its unique character by acknowledging its past.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/B. Pascal
Bordeaux
Called the "Pearl of Aquitaine", Bordeaux is renowned for its beauty and its wine (two thirds of French wine comes from this southwest region of France). The "Miroir d’eau" (mirror of water) is at the heart of the city, reflecting the Place de la Bourse - twice the beauty.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/D.Thierry
Marseille
Marseille has an energetic vibe. Despite being France’s second largest city, it has avoided becoming a tourist trap and boasts both a maritime and an urban feel. Pictured is the stunning Cathédrale de la Major.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/E.Tschaen
Paris
Anyone visiting the French capital will encounter the most renowned landmarks, but explorers can make many surprising discoveries beyond the Eiffel Tower. From the city’s iconic sites to contemporary art in front of the Centre Pompidou (pictured), Paris has something for everyone.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Kalaene
Nice
The clear waters, brilliant sunlight and pebbly beaches of Nice have drawn tourists for centuries. Inspiration for artists like Chagall and Matisse, this city on the French Riviera holds many treasures. From its fish markets to the Chagall museum’s astounding collection, Nice lives up to its name "Nice la belle".
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/A. Hall
Lille
Once a center of mining, Lille is a university city now known for its lively character and cuisine. The Alsatian architecture provides a charming backdrop for a daytime stroll.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/S.Jerry
Toulouse
Located on the River Garonne, Toulouse is called the "Pink City" due to the color of its terracotta brick architecture. Home to the largest space center in Europe, Toulouse Space Center, the city’s origins go back to at least the eighth century BC. Pictured is the view over the magnificent Place du Capitole.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/D. Becus
Lyon
Situated between the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon has a relaxing vibe. Famous for its wine and cuisine, L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges (pictured) is one of the city’s Michelin star restaurants. Between the old city, the boulevards lined with shops, and the unassuming atmosphere, there is hardly any place more French.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/I. Langsdon
Saint-Etienne
Football is huge in Saint-Etienne. But this city in the Loire valley has many other surprising delights. Its specialty is chocolate, and among the city’s fine examples of modern architecture is the Cité du Design (pictured).
