On 19 oct. 10, at 23:06, Shane Mage wrote:
>
> On Oct 19, 2010, at 9:34 AM, Wojtek S wrote:
>
>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11570828
>>
>> [WS:] Particularly remarkable is 71% public support of strikes, even
>> though they disrupt everyday lives of most people. It will never
>> happen here.
>>
>> However, I wonder what will happen if the strikes fail to stop the
>> pension "reform." I will likely to embolden capitalists elsewhere to
>> further dismantle the hard fought for social safety net.
>
> They can't stop a mechanical "Presidential" majority from enacting it,
I think they can. 2-3 days more and the whole country will run out of gasoline. All the refineries are blocked at the moment. They are starting to force workers back to work to ensure public services and hospitals are provided with gasoline but that's the only thing they can legally do.
Sarkozy likes to look tough but he does not like confrontation when he is not in a position to win and here, a win (in whatever meaning) is unlikely.
> but they sure make it hard as hell for the left parties to renege on their commitment to repeal it after the 2012 elections kick Sarkozy out on his ass!
I bet they don't give a damn now and won't give a damn in 2012. Maybe they would slightly modify the law, but I'm pretty sure they would not do anything that radical, especially if it is Aubry or DSK in power. The "left" has not been very active this time, just like in 95. There is a lot of posturing.
Jean-Christophe