According to the Interior Ministry, 1,093 police officers and firefighters have been injured in France since mid-March in violent protests against pension reform. There were also 2,579 arson attacks and 316 attacks on public buildings. At the same time, however, 36 civil servants were also investigated.
The protests, which had been peaceful for weeks, turned violent on March 16. On that day, the government pushed through the highly controversial reform to gradually raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 without a vote in parliament. The Constitutional Council is still studying the reform.
No “right to violence”
The Home Secretary rejected the recent widespread accusation that police officers acted aggressively against demonstrators and used disproportionate force. The right to demonstrate does not include the right to use violence. Gérald Darmanin said that if ultra-leftists and other rioters fuel the largely peaceful protests, law enforcement will have to step in. The police can show legitimate strength and act robustly at times, as he put it. But they are responding to extremely violent attacks by professional rioters who want to destroy property and kill police officers.
Another strike day next week
The unions announced the next nationwide day of protest on Thursday. Strikes continue to disrupt public life. Air traffic and the supply of fuel to filling stations is hindered at certain points.
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.
