Clashes with police began at a protest in Paris

Available REN TV turned out to be new footage of another protest action against the pension reform, which is taking place today in the center of Paris.

At first, the action took place, as far as possible under the current conditions, “peacefully”: the protesters burned fires in the middle of the streets, smashed the windows of shop windows and bus stops. The participants carried flags and posters in their hands, chanting various anti-government slogans.

Then there were clashes with the police. Protesters throw stones and various objects at law enforcement officers, who in response use force and try to rudely push back the protesters.

The streets of the French capital, along which the protesters are walking, are littered with debris and fragments from broken shop windows.

In other French cities, the situation on May 1 is no better: in Lyon, protesters burned a car, and in Nantes, the streets where protests are taking place were shrouded in smoke.

Previously, the unions announced their intention to hold the largest national action in the last 30 years in a “festive and family atmosphere.” Up to 1.5 million people are expected to take part in the protests throughout the country.

April 29 REN TV reported that the destruction inflicted on the infrastructure of Paris by protesters cost the city hall 1.6 million euros.

Recall that the law on increasing the retirement age in France from 62 to 64 years was adopted without a vote on March 16. Article 49.3 of the Constitution was used to pass the controversial bill, which was opposed by a large part of the country.

Mass protests against the backdrop of raising the retirement age have been taking place since January 2023. On March 22, French President Emmanuel Macron said that he himself was not happy with the reform, and expressed regret that the “importance of innovation” had not been conveyed to the population.

Demonstrations in a number of cities of the country develop into a real confrontation with the police. During one of these actions in Paris, explosives were thrown at the police.

Previously dissatisfied with the pension reform, the French beat and burned an effigy of Emmanuel Macron. The day before, France met the anniversary of Macron’s re-election with new protests of many thousands.

Macron’s popularity rating dropped to a record 26% amid the country’s pension reform. The French are coming out to protest to express dissatisfaction with the increase in the retirement age and rising prices in the country. The protesters even threatened to shut down the Cannes Film Festival.