Clément Bargain, edited by Yanis Darras 7:55 a.m., February 16, 2023

Every day, Europe 1 looks at an idea or a problem in your daily life.

Elevator breakdowns are on the rise in France.

And with the lack of parts, repair times are getting longer.

In a building in Colombes in the Paris region, the elevator broke down in January and will not be repaired until April, much to the dismay of residents. 

It is a daily gesture.

Taking the elevator can be vital for the most vulnerable people in society.

But, each year in France, 1.5 million elevators break down.

The beginning of a long ordeal for their users, as in this residence in Colombes, in the Paris region.

In this nine-storey building, there has been no elevator since the beginning of January.

Impossible to climb the stairs for Micheline, 77, cane in hand, who has no choice but to stay in her home while waiting for repairs.

"I feel like I'm in prison," said the retiree at the microphone of Europe 1. 

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Disruption of daily life

"Before, I could go to the cinema, but take a walk. Now, I don't do any of that anymore. Even an invitation to a restaurant, I refuse because otherwise I wouldn't be able to go back to my apartment after. takes a hit", continues Micheline, who admits to having known weeks with "a few dark thoughts". 

Since the breakdown, the daily life of the inhabitants has become hell.

Races by hand, 70-year-old Martine has to take breaks at each level on her way back to her accommodation.

"I only take small errands. But I have cats. And with the litter, which is heavy, it's complicated," she admits. 

Fragile people on the front line

At her neighbor, Aïcha, the elevator breakdown even worsened her health.

After arriving at her apartment on the fourth floor, the retiree had "trouble breathing. So, on Friday, I went to the hospital", she explains, now stressing that she must sleep with a mask to oxygen. 

And for the residents of the building, you will have to take your troubles patiently.

The elevator will not be back in service until the end of April.