Participation in the major demos scheduled for Tuesday is an indicator of how things are going in France. At the same time, there are great concerns about the violent Black Bloc.
The photos went around the world: in January 2015, a large demonstration of solidarity with the victims of the terrorist attack on the satirical magazine ‘Charlie Hebdo’ took place on the Place de la République in Paris. Now the square is the place where people’s anger is vented. The monument in the center of the area is wildly defaced, the messages are clear – “Fuck Macron” and such can be read there.
Strikers block the entrance to the Louvre
Crowds of people gather here almost every day to demonstrate against the controversial pension reform that French President Emmanuel Macron pushed through with a crowbar. On the adjacent Boulevard Voltaire, which is now the traditional protest route, some shops and bars, such as a McDonald’s branch, have been barricaded. For fear of riots.
Tourists who wanted to go to the Louvre on Monday morning were faced with closed doors. And for striking employees who block the entrance. The mood across the country is heated, today, Tuesday, there will be another strike across the country. One to more than three million people took part in the past protests – depending on who you ask. The number of people taking to the streets is considered an indicator of how things will go in France and with the pension reform. All that is certain at this point is the fear of further destructiveness on the part of the violent black bloc.
Left-wing extremists from abroad among demonstrators?
Due to the planned protests, France was recently forced to cancel a planned state visit by the British King Charles III. Cancel. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced on Monday evening that 13,000 police officers will be mobilized across the country before Tuesday. 5,500 of the officials would be on duty in Paris. These are unprecedented security measures in light of abuse and violence at the previous protests. Darmanin said about 1,000 left-wing extremists known to police, some from abroad, may mix with protesters in Paris and other major cities on Tuesday. The minister called on the demonstrators to distance themselves from violent criminals.
Following allegations of police brutality during the recent pension protests, 17 investigations have been launched against officials, the interior minister said. He called on police on Tuesday not to respond to provocations during the protests and defended the officers against widespread accusations.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
