Strike in France: SNCF or RATP oppose pension reform

The unions of major transport companies like SNCF or RATP called for “a powerful strike” on Thursday, January 19. They are opposed to pension reform. Indeed, the message of the inter-syndicate composed of the CGT, UNSA, SUD and the CFDT is clear to SNCF. We note, “total opposition to lowering the legal retirement age to 64 accompanied by an increase in the duration of contributions.”

In a press release, the four organizations, ready to launch the necessary battle, call for a “powerful strike” in rail on 19 January, the first date chosen for a large-scale interprofessional event.

Fierce fighting in Soledar: Russia tries at all costs to turn the tide of the war

In eastern Ukraine, precisely in Soledar, fierce fighting is taking place. Russia is trying at all costs to turn the tide of the war, changing its military leader again at a time when Kiev seems closer to obtaining Western heavy armaments.

In an interview, AFP Mykhailo Podoliak, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidency, said that “everything that is happening today in the direction of Bakhmut or Soledar is the bloodiest scenario of this war.” In the evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed that the “fighting “is continuing” in Soledar, the front is “holding””. According to him, the country “is doing everything to strengthen Ukrainian defense without any pause, even for a day.” For his part, the Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense, Ganna Maliar believes that the Russians have “unsuccessfully” sought to “completely” take over this mining city of 10,000 inhabitants located near the more important city of Bakhmut, which the Ukrainians have been defending relentlessly for several months.

Mourning in the music world: Jeff Beck has passed away

British rock, blues and even jazz guitarist Jeff Beck died Tuesday at the age of 78 from meningitis. He made his legend with the band The Yardbirds of Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton in the 1960s. A statement published Wednesday evening on the musician's official website announced: “On behalf of his family, it is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of Jeff Beck. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he passed away peacefully yesterday.” The famous musician has won eight Grammy awards for his virtuosity and innovation on the electric guitar.

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Anti-government protests continue in Peru. Highly attended funeral vigils were punctuated by clashes with security forces, prompting the United States to call on all parties to exercise “restraint.”

Three days after the rampage of places of power in the capital, security measures were strengthened Wednesday in Brasilia and other cities to avoid further outbursts with the call for Bolsonarist demonstrations.

Lionel Messi gave Paris Saint-Germain some nice moves and a goal to beat Angers (2-0) in his first world championship match. He compared his lead at the top of Ligue 1 on Wednesday for matchday 18.