France: Eiffel Tower closed over general strike

The Eiffel Tower was closed on December 5 over a strike by French unions against pension reform, Report informs, citing Eiffel Tower's Twitter post.

"Due to a national strike, I'm closed today. Access to my esplanade remains open and free of charge ”.

Notably, French rail workers, air-traffic controllers, teachers and public sector staff took to the streets on Thursday against proposed changes to the pension system.

The government argues that unifying the pensions system – and getting rid of the 42 “special” regimes for sectors ranging from rail and energy workers to lawyers and Paris Opera staff – is crucial to keep the system financially viable as the French population ages. But unions say introducing a “universal” system for all will mean millions of workers in both the public and private sectors must work beyond the legal retirement age of 62 or face a severe drop in the value of their pensions.