Fierce protests in France against the Macron government, protesters clashed with police in many cities including Paris; About 1000 people arrested across the country
There were massive demonstrations in France against inflation, poor condition of schools and police strictness. On Saturday, lakhs of people took to the streets against the government in many cities of the country including Paris. During the demonstration, police in Paris released tear gas and lathi-charged the protesters.
According to the French Interior Ministry, about 1,000 people were arrested across the country. According to government figures, around 4 lakh people participated in the demonstrations, while trade unions put the number as high as 8 lakh.
Lakhs of people gathered in Paris, police used tear gas left
According to government estimates, about 1.10 lakh people marched in the capital Paris. The protesters raised their voice against inflation, lack of facilities in schools and strict police action. They were holding banners with messages like ‘Repression leads to rebellion’ and ‘It is our right to protest’.
Initially the march was peaceful. Students, parents and elders also participated in it. However, in the final stages of the march, some masked people threw stones and glass bottles at the police. At some places, dustbins were set on fire and firecrackers were thrown towards the police. After this the police used tear gas, water cannon and stun grenade. To control the situation, lathicharge was also done on the protesters.
Clashes in many cities, 70 thousand policemen deployed
The demonstrations were not limited to Paris only. People marched in several cities, including Lyon, Lille, Montpellier, Nantes and Toulouse. Police used tear gas at some places to prevent protesters from reaching key areas.
There were also clashes between police and protesters in Marseille. According to reports, at least two people were seriously injured in Clermont-Ferrand and Toulouse. There was also news of a person’s fingers being cut off by a police explosive weapon in Toulouse.
In view of the fear of violence, more than 70 thousand policemen were deployed in various cities of France. Wooden boards were installed outside many shops for security, while some museums remained closed.
Movement started due to poor condition of schools
In France, this movement began with demonstrations by high school students in September. Students were protesting against problems like shortage of teachers in schools, dilapidated buildings, leaking roofs and not enough chairs in classrooms.
Gradually teachers, parents and trade unions also joined the movement. Along with improving the condition of schools, the protesters also raised the issue of rising inflation and strict police action. They allege that instead of negotiating the demands, the government is trying to suppress the movement through the police. The incidents of injuries to students and protesters due to police explosive weapons are also being investigated.
Government accused of limiting democratic rights
Protesters accused the government of President Emmanuel Macron of limiting the right to protest. He says that efforts were made to ban some demonstrations and keep the protesters away from major areas of the cities.
Nadez, 43, who took part in the protest in Paris, alleged that tear gas was fired at her during a peaceful demonstration last week. Despite this, she came again to protest. He said that it is his legal right to demonstrate on the street. At the same time, a 21-year-old college student said that people in France are beginning to feel that the government is limiting their democratic rights.
2,700 arrests last week, opposition cornered government
There was large-scale violence in France last Saturday also. The miscreants broke shop windows, looted goods, set vehicles on fire and targeted government buildings. At least 2,700 people were arrested across the country during that period. Due to fear of violence again, security arrangements were tightened this time.
Leftist leader and presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon also joined the Paris demonstration. He said that President Macron will have to accept the demands of the people to remove the growing discontent in the country, otherwise the protests will continue.
Meanwhile, in Orleans, thousands of people marched against a conference of the far-right and anti-immigration party National Rally. The protesters raised slogans against party leader Marine Le Pen and President Macron. These demonstrations have exposed growing discontent in France over inflation, public services and civil rights.