Khaberni - The French government's emergency plan was insufficient to calm the anger of truck drivers. After the protests in the cities of Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand over the weekend, demonstrations spread and ground transport companies gathered in the capital, with sector representatives demanding more financial support in light of rising fuel prices.
A protest organized by the European Road Transport Organization included about 110 buses and 70 trucks on the Paris ring road, aiming to protest against rising fuel prices and demand more government assistance.
Shortly after 10 AM, the trucks entered the Paris ring road under police surveillance, to slow down traffic and alert the authorities, and experts described the situation as unbearable.
Sarah Bahidr, the treasurer of the Association of Independent Bus Operators and director of a bus rental company, explained, "The announced aid of 20 cents per liter is not enough to compensate for our losses. We cannot cover our costs. We need 50 cents, or else we will face bankruptcy. We cannot continue to operate at a loss, as the price of diesel has risen from 1.60 euros ($1.84) to 2.30 euros ($2.64)."
Concurrent with the protests, the Paris Prefecture hosted a delegation from the road transport companies for a meeting that lasted about an hour. After that, the head of the European Road Transport Organization, Alexis Gieberg, clarified the sector's expectations saying, "We managed to clearly present our demands. Our companies are experiencing severe distress and great difficulties due to rising fuel prices. We urgently need to improve funding and simplify and facilitate the implementation of assistance programs. We hope for a swift response."
Experts are not calling for a comprehensive plan, but for concrete and immediate actions, with the fuel issue remaining central. Some suggest reducing taxes to immediately lower costs. Nonetheless, the protest movement remains active in other parts of France.
