Violence erupted during May Day protests in France, with nearly 300 protesters arrested and over 100 police officers injured. The demonstrations were held in opposition to President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that 108 police officers were wounded, with 25 of them in the capital city. Additionally, 291 individuals were detained across the country as clashes broke out in several cities during the union-led marches. Darmanin described the high number of injured police officers as “extremely rare” for a May 1 protest. One officer suffered burns to the face and hands after being hit by a Molotov cocktail, but his life was not in danger.
Protesters clashed with security forces throughout France, using the occasion of Labour Day to express their frustration towards President Macron. Last month, Macron signed a law raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, despite months of strikes and opposition from unions. Unions hoped for a significant turnout nationwide to further challenge Macron, who has faced public discontent during his tour defending the reforms.
Videos from various cities showed extensive property damage. Drones were employed by the police for the first time to monitor the situation in major cities. According to the interior ministry, approximately 782,000 people participated in the protests across the country, with 112,000 in Paris alone. The CGT union reported a count of 2.3 million protesters nationwide, including 550,000 in the capital.
In Paris, radical protesters known as “black blocs” clashed with police, throwing projectiles and damaging businesses. Tear gas and water cannons were used in response. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne condemned the violence, describing it as unacceptable. Macron’s government had hoped to move forward after the pension reform was signed into law, but the protests indicate that discontent and anger remain strong among the population.
France has experienced widespread strikes and protests against Macron’s pension changes since mid-January, some of which have turned violent. The president’s popularity has declined, with a survey showing that almost three in four French people were dissatisfied with his leadership. The May Day protests, supported by all eight of France’s major unions for the first time since 2009, reflect the ongoing resistance to the pension reform and the desire for a response from the government.
