French firefighters set themselves ablaze, spar with riot cops as Yellow Vest chaos resumes

Tyler Durden
Zero Hedge
Wed, 29 Jan 2020 04:15 UTC

Comment: When two branches of state forces start going at each other, you know the situation is critical.

French firefighters have joined the mass anti-government protests raging across the country, with some setting themselves on fire and fighting with riot cops while arguing for a pay raise of 25%.

Fire brigade unions are demanding better pay and conditions and organised the demonstration in the capital's Place de la Republique to bring attention to their cause today.

They want a pay rise of 25% arguing their work is made increasingly difficult due to staff cuts and attacks against them.

Paris police said firefighters who tried to break down or scale fencing near the Nation area of the city were dispersed by water cannon.

Firefighters previously demonstrated in October - marked by clashes with the police - calling for better pay, guarantees of their pension benefits and greater respect for their profession. - Metro.uk

Comment: See also:

• Yellow Vest demonstrators from across Europe gather at Belmarsh Prison to protest Assange detention
• Paris: Fierce clashes erupt as Yellow Vests protest for 62nd consecutive weekend
• French insurgency: Mass arrests as tens of thousands converge for Acte 62 of Yellow Vest movement and Day 45 of national strikes
• Police crack down as striking workers and Yellow Vest protesters converge on streets across France
• Yellow Vests & pension reform protesters are far from giving up: Tear gas and flares on Paris streets AGAIN