They say Spring is a magical time to visit Paris but perhaps not this year. It’s not so much love that is in the air of the French capital but the stench from 7,000 tons of uncollected rubbish.
The city’s refuse collectors have been on strike as part of the nationwide protests against the government’s pension reform. Workers at the three incinerators that dispose of Paris’s garbage have also downed tools and the walkout will last until at least Monday 20 March.
It’s not a strike that affects all the capital. In some of the arrondissements, private firms empty the bins and it is business as usual for them. But in other districts – including the swanky 6th and 16th arrondissements – the rubbish collection is the responsibility of city hall employees who have not been seen for ten days.
The Great Stink is going to get worse
The refuse collectors are supported by the city’s mayor, the Socialist Anne Hidalgo, who has expressed her ‘solidarity with the protest movement’.
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