Burn baby burn

It's a busy and challenging week for governments in Europe as unpopular reforms are pushed through and cutting deficit becomes the new European Mantra. In France, what started as anger towards a disruptive, but arguably necessary pensions reform has quickly moved into a multi layered crisis. The reform will be voted through the Senate on thursday, however, around 3 million are expected to demonstrate their anger against a reform that promises to raise retirement age up to 62 years, via mass strikes and rallies around the country. An unofficial front has now opened up with blockages, motorway go-slows (operation escargot) and oil refineries being picketed, resulting in panic buying and petrol stations running out of fuel. Lycéens (high school, sixth formers) have also come out in protest as well as more worringly, mobile, racially mixed, disaffected youths, 'les casseurs' or hooded vandals, responsible for burnt cars and dustbins, smashed bus shelters and other forms of anarchic style violence. French governments have a history of caving in to street pressure; Jacques Chirac in 1995, Dominique de Villepin in 2006, however the Sarkozy government is digging in its heels as it realises that the rest of Europe is watching. Economists are divided over the benefits of such austerity cuts vis a vis an economic recovery. There may not be much sympathy in the rest of Europe, given that the average european age for retirement is 62, but this is seen as a defining moment which could set the rest of Europe alight, encouraging others to protest against their own national reforms. Interesting post from Gavin Hewitt, BBC's Europe editor, whilst Le Monde gives a run down on the practical aspects of today, be you striker or worker. Meanwhile across the Channel, the conservative government is to announce a wide spending government review. An euphemism for deep cuts into public spending that will touch all sectors from health and welfare to justice, local government and the armed forces. Chancellor George Osborne is expected to announce the decommissioning of HMS Ark Royal as well as manpower cuts across all sectors of the armed forces. Should we get out of bed today is probably the real question?