"In some regions, the situation is almost back to normal. In other regions, we remain attentive and we cannot say that the crisis is over"
The French transport minister has warned the country’s fuel crisis is not yet over.
Following a meeting between the government and oil industry representatives, Transport Minister Alain Vidalies said the situation at fuel depots is improving.
[#Carburant] manuelvalls a reçu, ce matin à Matignon, les acteurs du secteur pétrolier >> https://t.co/xM6pNtAjh4 pic.twitter.com/x1A2NDumrB
— Gouvernement (gouvernementFR)May 28, 2016#Carburant > “Lasituation s’améliore vraiment”, a déclaré AVidalies, à l'issue d'une réunion à Matignon https://t.co/kvBdHfR90g
— iTELE(itele)May 28, 2016“In some regions, the situation is almost back to normal. In other regions, we remain attentive but we cannot say that the crisis is over,” Vidalies said.
He added that action to clear blockades at fuel depots could be continued if necessary.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls says he is ready to ride out the protests at ports and fuel depots by strikers opposed to plans to reform employment law.
Valls has taken a tough stance against the hardline CGT union which has spearheaded strikes that have shut down refineries and disrupted fuel supplies in the past two weeks.
In an interview with the French daily, “Le Parisien”, Valls said he was determined to pass the reforms. He said he feels the protests will not escalate.
“When a text (of reform) has been discussed, when it has prompted a compromise with unions, when it has been adopted in the National Assembly, I consider it my responsibility to see this through.”
Valls said that while he respects trade unions, including the CGT, he will not withdraw the text of the reform. However, he said he finds blockading ports, fuel depots and refineries unacceptable, especially at a time when the economy is starting to recover.
The stand-off worsened this week.
France mobilised strategic oil stocks for the first time in six years.
Six of the country’s eight refineries are blockaded or on a go-slow.
France grippedby escalatingprotestsover labour bill https://t.co/n6VDmNnWiK
— The Guardian (@guardian) May 28, 2016Strike action has been extended until the beginning of the week.
Employers are warning the strikes are starting to hurt the economy.
The CGT says the reforms – known as the “Khomri Law” after the minister who has proposed it, dismantles protective labour regulation.
The government says it is.
Ministers say reform is needed to fight unemployment, which currently stands at more than 10% of the workforce.
Manuel Valls says the text, which has already been watered-down from its initial format, may be modified when it goes to the upper house of parliament for approval.
However, he insisted the government will not go back on core parts of the reform.