International Workers’ Day has brought together thousands of protesters in several French cities, in an environment marked by growing social divide.
affected by the riots in parisMay 1st has brought together thousands of protesters in different cities of France, in an atmosphere marked by the approaching coalition of left parties for the French parliamentary elections in mid-June.
In the French capital, as in previous years, there have been riots on the sidelines of the main demonstration, blamed on small groups of radicals who broke and set fire to urban furniture, fast food restaurants or bank branches.
From the authorized march that started without incident from the Place de la République, a part that separated and gathered in the Place Léon Blum, next to the Boulevard Voltaire. Police used tear gas to disperse.
“The vandals come from spoiling the demonstrations on May 1, especially in Paris, by committing unacceptable violence. Total support for law enforcement,” said the French interior minister, Gerard Darmaninvia Twitter.
Des casseurs vinnent disturb les manifestations du 1er mai notamment à Paris, in commettant des unacceptable violence. Je suis cela avec attention.
Plein support aux policiers et gendarmes mobilisés, guaranteeing the freedom of the manifesto and of l’ordre public.— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) May 1, 2022
Growing social rift
The Labor Day demonstration, made up of trade unions and left-wing parties, is taking place amid a growing social rift in France, linked to the measures taken by the President of the Republic, the centrist Emmanuel Macronreelected last Sunday for another five years.
The protest takes place just a week after Macron defeated the far right Marine LePen in the second round of the French presidential election, thanks in part to the vote from the left, eliminated in the first with a remarkable result (22% of the vote).
Among the messages of the demonstration were those who were in favor of a reduction of the retirement agewho wants to extend Macron from 62 to 65 years, and for a minimum wage increase
Just five weeks before the parliamentary elections, the messages circulating in the protest also had an electoral undertone, mainly because of the left’s drive to unite in a joint application to have a good presence in the Assembly countering Macron’s power.
Just before the start of the demonstration, Jean-Luc Melenchonleader of the left-wing power with the most votes, the France Insumisa (LFI), gave a short rally in front of hundreds of militants in the Plaza de la República.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
