French police open blockaded depots
[Al Jazeera] French authorities have forced open three fuel depots blockaded by workers protesting against plans to raise the retirement age.
Nicolas Sarkozy, the president, ordered the blockades surrounding the depots to be removed as one-third of petrol stations nationwide ran out of supplies following six days of demonstrations.
Brice Hortefeux, interior minister, said that the depots had been reopened peacefully in the early hours on Wednesday.
"The current situation cannot continue without serious consequences for our life as a society and our economy but also for the health and safety of our citizens," Hortefeux said at a news conference.
"We will continue to unblock these depots as much as necessary," he said.
Protests planned
Further strikes against plans to overhaul France pensions system are expected after a night of unrest between youths and riot police in several towns.
Posted by: Fred 2010-10-21 |