2.3 million attend May Day protests against government in France

Simon Hamalienko
Daily Star
Mon, 01 May 2023 23:35 UTC

© AP

Riot police officers run next to a fire set in front of a building during a demonstration

Clashes broke out on the streets of Paris as cops ended up on fire as they tackled May Day pension protesters.

Furious demonstrators showed their anger at French president Emmanuel Macron's unpopular pension policy.

Bank windows and bus stops were smashed, bicycles were torched and cops were also hit by objects after Mr Macron raised the retirement age from 62 to 64 last month.

Labour rights are celebrated across the globe on May 1 and campaigners marked the day by hitting the streets demanding higher salaries, reduced working hours and better working conditions.

Around a million marched across France as part of the protest with 500,000 pouring onto the streets of Paris.

A police spokesman said: "There has been widespread disorder across the city, with more than 55 arrests."

Around 108 police officers were reportedly injured across France, including 20 in Paris.

Comment: Most protesters don't have the luxury of the military style protective gear that the police have:

12 p.m./12.15 p.m. just before the mediatheque station in the middle of the tram tracks. Grenade explosion. My daughter is 17 years old. About to lose an eye. I'm looking for any possible testimony. THANKS

However, the General Confederation of Labour (France) claim the figure is much higher with 2.3m demonstrators across the country.

Although most were peaceful, groups of extremist protesters shattered windows of stores and banks in Paris, drawing tear gas from rows of riot police.

Comment: The police are rather liberal with their tear gas grenades, although it is true that May Day is also a day used by groups like the Black Block to perpetrate acts of vandalism.

One was filmed dismantling a surveillance camera, and French police deployed drones exceptionally to film unrest, a move that has raised concerns among privacy defenders and activist groups.

Clashes with police were also reported in Lyon and Nantes.

French union members were joined by labour activists from other countries, environmental activists and other groups fighting for economic justice, or just expressing anger at Macron.

Activists are also opposed to the 2024 Paris Olympics and their impact on society and the environment also demonstrated.

Comment: Footage from the day:

Bad throw: a de-encirclement grenade thrown by a gendarme explodes at the level of the heads of several of his colleagues

AFTER MAY 1ST, WE NEED ANOTHER STRIKE DAY Speech by Victor, a student in Nanterre, at the May Day demonstration. It's possible to win against Macron, the anger and the movement are still strong, we need a follow-up and a next day of strike!

Marseille 130000 and the CGT ENERGIE MARSEILLE procession boiling hot. Dignity Hope Pride Anger May Day. The claim to happiness and a big NO! to the macron terminal reform. This is what emerges from the eyes and hearts of our comrades.