A wave of protests swept across France on Thursday, with marches taking place in dozens of cities across the country, in some cases ending in clashes with police, French media reported.
According to official police figures cited by Le Figaro, 157,000 people took part in May Day demonstrations in France. Compared to last year, the number of protesters increased by about 30,000. Clashes with police broke out in Paris and several other cities, and 72 people were detained.
France’s largest trade union, the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), counted at least 300,000 participants. According to their data, turnout in Paris doubled compared to last year. Protests took place in 270 cities in total. CGT leaders demanded the cancellation of pension reforms, a moratorium on layoffs and expressed general dissatisfaction with the government’s socio-economic policy.
Clashes in Paris
Riots broke out at the demonstration in Paris: protesters threw glass bottles and firecrackers at the police. In response, security forces used tear gas.
Le Figaro also reported clashes between participants in the march: a group of about 50 people dressed in black and with their faces covered attacked Socialist Party activists. Four people were injured and received medical attention.
The incident provoked a sharp reaction from Socialist Party MP Jérôme Guedj. According to him, “all those who use violence are enemies of May Day, of workers and, in a broader sense, of the Republic.” He called the attackers “ordinary fascists.”
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the “absolutely deplorable” and “unacceptable” attack and said that the police had identified about 200 people during the march who they considered to be provocateurs.
Le Pen’s speech
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party’s parliamentary group, addressed her supporters at a rally in Narbonne. She announced her intention to fight for the right to participate in the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen recalled that a Paris court, after considering a case of fictitious employment of assistants in the European Parliament, had temporarily deprived her of the right to run for office for a period of five years. The politician expressed her disagreement with this decision.
“I will fight for justice, against attempts to confiscate democracy,” she emphasised.
In the centre of Nantes, clashes with police also broke out during a demonstration involving 5,000 people. Fifteen people were detained. Local authorities reported that “protesters attacked the prefecture and fired firecrackers at law enforcement officers.” In response, the police used water cannons and tear gas. Shops and cafes were also damaged, with shop windows smashed.
Clashes with the police were also reported in Lyon. Several dozen aggressive individuals wearing masks attempted to vandalise two shops. They also threw various objects at law enforcement officers.
