Hawzah News Agency- France’s Interior Ministry said more than 600,000 people took to the streets while the CGT, one of France’s major unions, said nearly 1.6 million people took part in over 200 demonstrations nationwide. The figures exceed those reported on Oct. 17, when protests were marred by scenes of rioting and looting.
Some young demonstrators were carrying signs reading: “Inequalities seriously jeopardize our future” and “We can’t spend our whole lives just trying to make a living.”
The CGT, which estimated 350,000 marched in Paris, said the turnout marked a new stage in the mobilization and vowed to “continue its fight for as long as necessary to force the government and employers to give in to its demands.”
About a third of France’s high schools were closed or unable to operate, some because of student blockades and others because teachers were on strike. Public transportation was disrupted in some areas. The Eiffel Tower was also closed.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said that 70,000 police officers were deployed, backed by armored vehicles, drones and helicopters. Police have been criticized for injuring protesters with heavy-handed tactics.
Authorities also reported tensions, scuffles and other incidents in the cities of Lyon, Nantes, Pau, Orléans, Rennes and Toulouse.
France’s main unions warned that the country is on the brink of recession and that layoff plans are multiplying. “Fuel, food products, rent, gas, electricity … everything’s going up except wages and pensions,” they said in a joint statement.
France is mired in debt and is one of the worst economic performers in Europe, along with Italy and Belgium.
Source: AP NEWS
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