French social unrest may presage Europe-wide winter of discontent

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As strikes over pay demands set against rising inflation continue to block several French oil refineries, and a union call for a one-day general strike on Tuesday ups tensions in a first and burgeoning social crisis for Emmanuel Macron’s second term as president, the cost of living squeeze has also prompted industrial action in other European countries.        

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The northern port city of Le Havre is less than 25 miles away from two major oil refineries. But on Friday, the pumps at many gas stations were wrapped in red and white tape, the electric price signs flashing all nines. Little gasoline was to be had, reports The New York Times.

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