Thousands of people are protesting on Wednesday in various localities across France, including the capital, Paris. The demonstrators are dissatisfied with the austerity measures of the previous government, led by François Bayrou, intended to reduce the budget deficit. The police have arrested over 300 people, reports IPN.
In the Porte de Montreuil area of eastern Paris, protesters set fire to trash bins and attempted to block tram lines, but were dispersed by law enforcement. The demonstrators also infiltrated the highway, where they blocked traffic, but were quickly stopped by the police.
Tensions have arisen at the Gare du Nord in Paris, one of the busiest train stations in Europe. There, hundreds of people gathered in the morning, chanting “Macron, resign!”
The police have closed off access to the station, but the protesters tried to force their way in, and some travelers were caught in the chaos. Later, law enforcement used tear gas against the demonstrators.
The nationwide protests, under the slogan “Block Everything”, were organized through social networks. The demonstrations erupted after the Bayrou Government lost the vote of confidence in Parliament and shortly after, President Emmanuel Macron appointed the former Minister of Defense, Sébastien Lecornu, as Prime Minister.
Among the protesters are employees from the medical system, who are protesting against the reduction of reimbursements. Unions warn that 6,000 out of the 20,000 pharmacies in France are at risk of closing.
The Bayrou government has also proposed the elimination of two legal holidays, in order to reduce France’s public deficit. Some protesters have called for President Macron to dissolve the Parliament and call for early elections.
