Today's Demonstrations in France Almost Festive

Marches Held Throughout France, Number of Demonstrators Disputed, as Usual

Both leaders were seen today being interviewed on French TV news, just as the demonstration, called for by the CGT and the FO, was to begin this afternoon at the Place Denfert-Rochereau, in Paris 14th arrondissement.

Still, to keep a bit of perspective, to suggest that nothing is cast in cement, I should also mention that CGT train workers in Marseille voted to continue the strike, and the street demonstrations there had a heavy turnout.

This evening, the numbers of today's marchers was disputed by police and the organizers, with the first offering a global figure for France of 600,000 and the march organizers suggesting a whole 2 million. The Paris demonstrators were numbered at 300,000 by police; while the CGT said there were 560,000 - by either estimate, larger number than last Tuesday.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Paris, shoppers were not overwhelming the sidewalks or the shops. The season's sales so far are down by about half for the same period last year. Many people are looking, but not buying; at least not until they can be sure of getting home with their purchases by public transport - which is not the case today.

The SNCF announced tonight that the TGV would make eight round trips from Paris to Lyon tomorrow. Road authorities have permitted heavy trucks to use the autoroutes this weekend, in order to speed things back to normal - but make weekend driving nearly as difficult as it has been around Paris during the week.

So talks will begin. The winter school vacation starts soon, and there are eight shopping days left until Christmas.

Return to Richard Erickson's Paris Journal

Updated 12/95