French strikes update

A government minister on TV this morning only expects the new pension law around 15th November. All France's oil refineries are reported to remain closed on Sunday while France's compulsory day of rest on Sundays for its lorry drivers seems likely to ensure that the one in four service stations run dry this weekend will be joined by many others come Monday.

An opinion poll published today shows President Sarkozy's popularity off another 3 points to only 29 % offering their approval. The Prefect of the Bouche de Rhone Department is reported to have ordered the garbage now piled in the streets of Marseille to be cleared from tomorrow.