Around 270 gatherings are planned for this Wednesday, May 1, International Workers’ Day.
In addition to the traditional demonstrations of unions and political parties, other themes such as the war in Gaza or the Olympic Games could be included in the processions.
Follow the latest information on mobilization.
How many will be hitting the streets this May 1, Labor Day? Undoubtedly much less than last year, when the controversial pension reform brought nearly 800,000 demonstrators into the streets, according to the authorities, and 2.3 million, according to the CGT. Around 270 demonstrations are planned throughout France and “120,000 to 150,000” people expected, according to a note from the territorial intelligence services.
Some processions will start at 10:00 a.m. such as in Strasbourg, Marseille or Clermont-Ferrand. In Paris, the demonstration will start at 2 p.m. from Place de République towards Place de la Nation.
CLOSED METRO STATIONS
In Paris, several metro stations along the route of the demonstration will be closed. “From 11:00, access to Bréguet-Sabin, Chemin Vert, Filles du Calvaire, Oberkampf, Richard-Lenoir, République, Saint-Sébastien – Froissart and Temple stations will be closed,” informs RATP.
FROM REPUBLIC TO NATION
In Paris, meet at 2 p.m., near Place de la République.
The demonstrators will march to the Place de la Nation, under heavy police escort.
NEARLY 300 GATHERINGS
For wages, for peace or even for a “more protective” Europe: after last year’s strong united mobilization against pension reform, the main unions are calling to hit the streets on May 1 with various demands.
For this International Workers’ Day, the CGT lists more than 265 rallies and demonstrations in France, in the “high” range, according to confederal secretary Céline Verzeletti.
Some processions started at 10 a.m. such as in Strasbourg, Marseille and Clermont-Ferrand.
Unlike last year, the unions will march divided, in the absence of a national inter-professional slogan. A few weeks before the European elections, several top candidates will also be present in the demonstrations such as Raphaël Glucksmann (PS-Place publique) in Saint-Etienne or Manon Aubry (LFI) in Lyon then Paris.
But other demands could be included in the processions. Pro-Palestinian activists and “critics” of the Olympic Games could benefit from this platform offered, in particular, in Paris, indicates the information note. If they anticipate a demonstration “more peaceful” that last year, they also expected the presence of radical demonstrators (between 400 and 800 in Paris) who could cause tensions with the police.
