The train, one of the great victories of the 20th century, could become the great defeat of our time. The railways are not doing well. Often due to staff shortages or cancellations within the timetable. In a stagnant France, the French are distraught after yet another strike at the SNCF before Christmas. Train conductors in France have been campaigning for more pay for some time now. The fact that they are going to stop working during the holidays has come under heavy criticism from the SNCF management and politicians.

When the Paris-Clermont train arrives at the station with a four-hour delay, passengers applaud with relief as if it were the most normal thing in the world. While in our collective imagination we rhyme end-of-year celebrations with magic and reunions with loved ones, many French people at this time of year are at risk of being stranded on a platform by another strike at the SNCF. This time it is the inspectors, with the support of Sud Rail and the CGT Cheminots, who are demanding a pay rise.

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For many French people, the alternative FlixBus is not an option, overcrowded and too expensive. A rental car is also not a solution to the problem. And as if the problems weren't big enough, the repayment system is Kafkaesque. There is no automatic refund in case of train cancellations and ticket prices rose to 292 euros from 170 initially. Travelers on TGV Inoui, Intercités and Ouigo trains are entitled to compensation of 200% in the form of a voucher worth the canceled trip.

The French understand the right to strike, but feel anger at the moment of the news and when they see that no solution is in the works. The details for Saturday and Sunday are not yet known, but they are pretty much the same as today. Travelers are already being warned and a strike notice has been submitted to the SNCF for the New Year's weekend.