Violent May Day in France: 47 detained, 15 injured

The streets of the French capital, Paris, turned into a battlefield on May Day, the International Workers' Day. Thousands of people participated in the demonstrations led by France's most prominent labor union, the CGT.

Protesters marched from Place de la République to Place de la Nation at 2:00 PM local time.

The protesters, led by the CGT, labor unions, and various youth organizations, announced their opposition to austerity policies, demanding improvements in working conditions and wages.

Clashes broke out between police and protesters during the march. A group of black-clad protesters attacked nearby bank branches and shops.

Police intervened against the protesters with tear gas; 15 police officers were injured and at least 47 people were detained in the incidents. According to police sources, 18,000 people participated in the Paris demonstrations, while the CGT reported 50,000 participants.

22 DETAINED IN LYON

Stating that more than 200,000 people participated in the demonstrations across France, the CGT reported that there were also significant gatherings in major cities such as Nice, Marseille, and Strasbourg.

The Lyon Prefecture announced that 22 people were detained during the May Day demonstrations.

Meanwhile, in a march in Saint-Etienne, European Parliament candidate Raphaël Glucksmann was forced to leave the protest.

News Source: İHA