Thousands rally in France against Macron reforms
- 6 years ago
Thousands of public workers, students and striking rail workers have rallied across France to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's labor reform plans.
In Paris, organizers said some 50-thousand people took part in Thursday's demonstrations, while police put the number at eleven-and-a-half thousand.
Although the rallies were mostly peaceful, there were occasional clashes with police, who had to fire tear gas and water cannons to disperse angry protesters.
The scale of the protests also appeared below expectations due to a split between two French labor unions - the CGT and CFDT.
The CGT, which organized Thursday's rallies, wants Macron's reform plan, which includes rail liberalization, to be scrapped.
The CFDT, which did not attend the protests, say the CGT's endeavor is too extreme and wants assurances the government will mop up the French rail operator's debt and ensure better working conditions when the sector opens to competition.
In Paris, organizers said some 50-thousand people took part in Thursday's demonstrations, while police put the number at eleven-and-a-half thousand.
Although the rallies were mostly peaceful, there were occasional clashes with police, who had to fire tear gas and water cannons to disperse angry protesters.
The scale of the protests also appeared below expectations due to a split between two French labor unions - the CGT and CFDT.
The CGT, which organized Thursday's rallies, wants Macron's reform plan, which includes rail liberalization, to be scrapped.
The CFDT, which did not attend the protests, say the CGT's endeavor is too extreme and wants assurances the government will mop up the French rail operator's debt and ensure better working conditions when the sector opens to competition.