What’s happening in France this week?
This week (March 13-19) more strike disruption is likely, a final vote on the country’s controversial pension reforms could take place and France plays Wales in the Six Nations
We look at what the week ahead has in store for people in France
Jo Bouroch / David Calvert / Obatala-photography / rarrarorro / Shutterstock
Monday, March 13
President Macron hosts Elysée reform meetings; Senate to debate
The president is set to receive relevant associations on the subject of institutional reform, while the Senate is to begin examining the legal proposals on the nuclear acceleration law.
Tuesday, March 14
New port pension strikes
Workers’ union CGT Ports et Docks are calling for another three-day strike against the government’s proposed pension reforms.
Annual public accounts presentation
The annual public accounts report on public spending is set to be presented to MPs in the Assemblée Nationale.
Wednesday, March 15
Eighth day of nationwide action against pension reform
Strikers are set to take to the streets and walk out in protest against the government’s controversial pension reforms.
Read more: France’s pension reform strikes: what will happen next?
Cross-party commission meeting on pension reform
The group is set to meet to find a compromise on the embattled pension reform law.
Drought review
The government is set to review its stance on potential drought and water restrictions in accordance with information from Météo France.
Read also: Bring in water restrictions from now, French prefects told
Read also: Drought map: See what water restrictions apply in your department
Monthly tax date
The third monthly deduction of the year will happen on this date, for all monthly taxes (property and housing taxes, the taxes foncières and habitation; and the CFE).
Paris 2024 Olympic tickets
Registration begins for the second phase of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This will take place in the form of a random draw for single-event tickets.
You will be able to register for the draw for this second phase from March 15 until April 20. Winners will be notified from May 11 onwards.
Read also: What sports can the public access for free at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Read also: Tickets open for Paris 2024 Olympic Games: Here is how it works
Thursday, March 16
Pension reform law vote in the Senate and Assemblée
MPs and senators could vote definitively on whether to adopt the pension reform law, according to the decisions made the day before by the cross-party commission.
Tourism show
The Salon mondial du tourisme will open its 46th annual edition at the Parc des Expositions, Paris Porte de Versailles, and last until March 19.
It will include events, stands, and companies across various tourism categories, including nature and mountains, culture and heritage, wellness, city breaks, cruises, family holidays, couples, solo travellers, accessibility, accommodation, and staff training.
It will cost €10 to enter the event which is free for under-18s. For more information visit their website here.
Read also: Tourism in France: The 2022 trends and outlook for 2023
Read also: Tourism bounces back as France rakes in €58bn from foreign visitors
Friday, March 17
Saint Patrick’s Day
Celebrations are expected throughout France on Friday night for la fête de la Saint-Patrick. You can look forward to music concerts, shows and a lot of Irish beer.
Séries Mania
The international festival of TV series opens in Lille, Hauts-de-France.
High-profile guests expected to attend include director Cédric Klapisch, and actors Cécile de France and Marcia Cross, as well as a wide range of international writers, directors, screenwriters, critics, composers, editors, and actors.
It will last until March 24.
The Cassation court to examine ‘double incrimination’
The cour de cassation is set to question whether it can issue sanctions against ‘double incrimination’ in France for allegations of war crimes or crimes against humanity, committed elsewhere as part of a conflict.
Saturday, March 18
France-Wales rugby match
France takes on Wales on the final day of the Six Nations rugby tournament. The match will kick off at 15:45, at the Stade de France.
The Foire de Nice begins
The Foire internationale de Nice begins and will run until March 27. It includes sections on cars, home improvements and decor, well-being, food and drink, travel, safety, construction, and more.
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