Preparations for hosting Euro 2016 have had France on edge for months now – over fears about terrorism, security and the weather – but the spectre of Parisian streets buried under piles of smelly rubbish probably wasn’t high on the list of concerns.
France is currently experiencing a bout of intense industrial unrest, as public sector workers stage strikes in protest against the deeply unpopular Hollande government’s proposals to amend the country’s labour laws (including working hours and pensions).
Trash is piling up in #Paris on the day #EURO2016 kicks off. Garbage collectors still on strike. pic.twitter.com/84vqGPlouS
— Rasmus Tantholdt TV2 (@RasmusTantholdt) June 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/didierdelmer/status/740859766835183618
There have already been rail and oil refinery strikes, and Air France pilots are planning a three day walkout starting today.
But Paris’ bin men are also on strike, and have been for the best part of 10 days – meaning that uncollected rubbish is piling up on the streets.
Bin strike – Paris 9th arrondissement among parts of the capital starting to smell pic.twitter.com/9acBEsDRqM
— Angelique Chrisafis (@achrisafis) June 9, 2016
JOE’s video editor Greg James (not that one) is in Paris for the tournament and said:
“The main streets have all been cleared, but residential streets look like they haven’t been cleared for a week or two.
“There’s liquid leaking from rubbish bags, and the heat is making the smell worse. You have to cover your nose when walking past.”
#France Piles of uncollected household rubbish accumulating in parts of #Paris @AFPphoto pic.twitter.com/XJvg4X4S1B
— Aurelia BAILLY (@AureliaBAILLY) June 10, 2016
The unsightly garbage problem, coupled with transport strikes, has been a bit of a shock to the system for football fans travelling to the city. Twelve of the 51 Euro 2016 matches will be held in the capital.
Other host cities like St Etienne and Marseille are experiencing similar issues.
Watching France 2 news, Euro football tourists totally confused by the rubbish-strewn Paris streets and paralysed trains. Welcome to France.
— Matthew Fraser 🇪🇺 (@frasermatthew) June 9, 2016
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGgir_LpryO/
It looks as if the rubbish collectors’ strike will continue at least until June 14. Deputy Paris mayor Bruno Julliard said: “We are extremely worried about the absence of cleanliness is several neighbourhoods. We must be extremely careful.”
The streets of Paris are crowded with rubbish because refuse collectors are on strike. pic.twitter.com/tUJYKFFBnt
— Erica Buist (@ericabuist) June 9, 2016
The areas in Paris worst affected are the 2nd, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 17th, and 20th arrondissements.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said on Thursday: “We are redeploying staff to sort out the situation where it’s most critical”, and reiterated yesterday that “of course, all the rubbish will be collected.” She said 50 trucks worked through Thursday night into Friday, and 30 more were sent out yesterday morning to deal with the problem.
https://twitter.com/gavinmortimer7/status/740801880461283328
Suzanna's owner laments the "horrible" rubbish piling up outside her shop as strikes in Paris continue pic.twitter.com/SldXMpSths
— The Local France (@TheLocalFrance) June 8, 2016
