MONTREUIL, France — Nearly 800,000 young people, workers and retirees took part in protests across France on Saturday against the high cost of living, according to the General Confederation of Labor.
The CGT said its tally was current as of 5:30 p.m. local time. Protesters also demanded decent conditions for students. Reuters reported that the Interior Ministry counted 410,000 participants.
Virginia Times could not independently verify either estimate.
The union cast the turnout as a direct answer to President Emmanuel Macron. Before the protests, Macron had declared that “what is recommended is not to demonstrate,” according to the CGT’s statement, translated from French.
The CGT accused Macron and his government of imposing unprecedented restrictions. Dozens of demonstrations were banned, the union said, including some where labor groups had already filed march routes.
In Paris and other cities, approved routes were changed repeatedly and at the last minute, according to the statement. The union said those changes prevented organizers from properly preparing the marches.
The Interior Ministry, in instructions issued Friday, said authorities should assess organizers and routes for public-order risks. It allowed restrictions where officials anticipated looting or destruction and required proportionate use of force.
Protesters were held back, tear-gassed and placed in police custody, the CGT alleged, though it gave no figures. It also accused the government of portraying demonstrators as thugs. The marches remained peaceful and festive, by the union’s account.
Reuters reported that largely peaceful marches gave way to evening clashes in Paris and Marseille. Paris police used tear gas and water cannons after the rally ended. In Marseille, police reported looting.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez blamed groups that broke away from the marches for violence and said the unrest was less intense than the previous weekend, Reuters reported.
Activists and the CGT’s departmental branches mapped out routes and kept processions safe, the confederation said. It argued that union pressure had forced the government to respect the right to demonstrate.
In Orléans, nearly 30,000 people rallied against the far-right National Rally, according to the CGT. That estimate has not been independently verified. The union called the party a threat to democracy, the republic and workers.
The statement also referred to what the union called a racist attack Friday. It offered condolences to the victims, their families and residents of Trappes and La Verrière, but gave no further details.
The CGT said strikes must now follow the street protests. Together with an interunion coalition, it called for a major day of strikes and demonstrations on Nov. 5.
The union blamed employers for high living costs and austerity. It urged workers to hold general meetings at their workplaces to set their demands and organize walkouts, and said it would keep building the movement until those demands are met.
Have something to promote?
Bring your business, services or event to our readers.
