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11th Jun 2016

Euro 2016 travellers are shocked by how much Paris stinks right now

Rubbish is building up on streets due to strike action

Declan Cashin

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).

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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.

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.”

 

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.

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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 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.

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One business owner told French press: “It just adds to the terrible image of France in the press at the moment,” she said.
“People think there’s a war going on here with the protests. It affects the number of customers coming into my shop, as does everything else happening in France that has scared tourists from visiting. No-one wants to come to France and especially Paris at the moment.”
Are you in Paris for the Euros and have come across the rubbish problem? Send us your pictures and stories: Hello@JOE.co.uk, or message us on Facebook.