In protest against President Emmanuel Macron's proposed pension reform, which includes raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, garbage collection workers in France have been on strike for over a week, leading to uncollected trash piling up on the streets of Paris. The accumulating waste is attracting rats and causing distress among residents and tourists due to the smell. While some tourists express understanding or even support for the strikes, others find the situation unpleasant. The controversial pension reform is entering its final parliamentary phase and could be approved by the French Parliament this week.

Following the drowning of at least 27 refugees attempting to reach the UK via the English Channel, protesters in London demanded the British government create safe and legal routes for asylum seekers. The UK government is pressuring France to prevent crossings and has proposed an agreement for the return of migrants, as EU regulations no longer apply post-Brexit. Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested joint patrols on French beaches, but safe passages for asylum seekers have not been discussed. Despite the recent tragedy, more migrants continue to risk the dangerous journey to the UK. In Calais, a vigil was held in memory of those who have died in the Channel, with locals expressing sadness and anger over preventable deaths and calling for changes in immigration policy.