What's it really like in France?

Over the last few days there have been a number of blog postings eg here and here, based on reports from people based in the country, on the situation in France suggesting that things are very grim indeed and that a 6th Republic/4th Monarchy is just round the corner.

But is it true? I too have a correspondent I can rely on. His name is Freddy, he lives in Paris and I have known him since my schooldays. He writes (and I hope you will forgive the imperfect English) thus:

* yes, there are strikes. A lot ? Well, as compared to strikes in Singapore (country that I know a bit), there are a lot. For me, it is just normal when there is a right wing political party on duty. It is now the third day of strike. The problem is with the public transport (which are not involved in the eventual new law about retirement and pension) : they are on unlimited strike, which means that anyone can be on strike when he wants. In France, you can only be on strike when you have warned in advance.

* barricades ? are you joking ? French people are now too lazy to do so. However, there are actions from activists of the left left revolutionary wing. It is just hooliganism.

* rubbish : not everywhere. There, it is again bizarre. The new pension calculation would apply to civil servants. But rubbish collection are hired by the towns, not by the state. This proves, if necessary, that it is now a political issue. Even people which are not involved want to complain. Does it sound like real French attitude ?!

In a lot of town, rubbish collection is outsourced to private companies, which are not on strike. We will not suffer from third world deseases this summer !

* I have not heard of people beaten by anyone, except by policemen when necessary.

Saturday, there was the first protest of associations of anti-strikers in France. Media have advertised a lot this protest because it shows that France state of mind may change. But summer will come. France will be on leave in August, plenty of time to cool down in the sun on the beach (!).

In France, strikes are predictible : either for the O Levels (baccalaureat, June) or at school restart (October). People complains : there are french after all. But when there are in front of a big decision outside of their country, they are able to gather. I guess you will have understood that when there is a decision to be taken with influence inside France, then there are troubles.