Neither side is backing down for the moment though the protests yesterday appeared to be much larger than earlier this month. There is little doubt that the pension reform will be finalized though for many, this is much more about deterring Sarkozy from running for reelection in 2012. BBC:
French unions have staged their biggest strikes and demonstrations so far in opposition to the government's pension reform plans.
Unions put the national turnout on the third day of protests this month at 3.5m, while police said 1.2m people were involved.
The cabinet wants to raise the minimum retirement age from 60 to 62, and from 65 to 67 for a full state pension.
Some unions say they might extend or continue the strikes.
On Tuesday evening, strikers in the RATP Paris transport network voted to renew their action.
