Angry French diplomats drop discretion to strike over reform

By ELAINE GANLEY
Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — Members of the French diplomatic corps dropped their traditional reserve Thursday to go on strike, angered by a planned reform they fear will hurt their careers and France’s standing in the world. It was the second strike by diplomats in 20 years. Some ambassadors and numerous diplomats, in posts ranging from Tokyo to the Middle East and Washington, honored the day-long strike. About 100 demonstrated by the foreign ministry. They oppose President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to merge their professional standing with that of other civil servants, starting in January. Macron’s April decree will reportedly affect about 800 diplomats, but its opponents claim that’s just the beginning.