AFP, PARISThe Paris Opera reopened on Saturday night after weeks of strike action against the French government’s pension reforms that have cost the arts organization millions of dollars in ticketing losses. HEAVY LOSSESMore than 70 shows have been canceled since last month at a loss of nearly 15 million euros (US$16.5 million) — greater than the state’s annual contribution to the Opera pension fund. The special retirement plan for the Paris Opera, which allows dancers to bow out at age 42, was introduced in 1698 by King Louis XIV — making it among the oldest in France. The French state covers half of the Paris Opera’s pension fund, about 14 million euros per year. Dancers have staged outdoor performances in Paris in a show of support for the public sector strikes, which have triggered weeks of transport chaos.
