The authorities emphasize that the data does not yet include demonstration in Paris, which began at 14. The organizers expect that in the capital he will join the protests from 20 thousand. up to 40,000 people. However, before the start of the march in the southern part of the city, fewer participants were noticeable compared to the September meeting.
Strikes in the public sector also recorded lower attendance. According to the Ministry of Education, less than 6.5 percent teachers decided to join the protest, while in public administration it was 4.2 percent. In the transport sector, strikes did not significantly affect its functioning. In Marseille, the second largest city of France, 4,000 participated in demonstrations until noon. people, which is a decrease compared to 15,000 protesters on September 18.
The government mobilized security forces to ensure order during assembly. About 5,000 appeared in Paris on the streets. policemen and gendarmes. However, the demonstrations went calmly. A similar inheritance trend in the number of participants was also visible in other cities, such as Montpellier or Bordeaux. The Ministry of the Interior forecasts that 250,000 will take part in the protests. people – half as much as during the September demonstrations.
Why are the French protest?
Protests are a reaction to planned cuts in social expenses and reforms that are controversial. Trade unions demand the government's withdrawal from unpopular pension reform, more fair distribution of budget burdens and the introduction of taxes for the richest. Demonstrations are aimed at putting pressure on the government before the next week's expose of the new Prime Minister Sebastien Lecorn.
