Violence erupted in central Paris on Sunday as thousands used the traditional May Day demonstrations to protest the re-election of President Emanuel Macron. At least 5,000 officers were on duty in Paris alone on Sunday, with water cannons and armored vehicles also deployed on the streets of the French capital. Tear gas and tear gas were used against a mob near Place de la Bastille as banks and a McDonald’s fast food restaurant were attacked. “The violence seems organized and aimed at specific goals,” said an eyewitness. “Guys with black hoods and balaclavas are breaking things while others are screaming for Macron to resign.”
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Protester prepares to throw a stone at the annual May Day demonstration in Paris / AFP via Getty Images The street violence erupted a week ago when Macron won a second term by defeating far-right rival Marin Le Pen in the presidential election. “The May Day mobilization must be as massive as possible,” said Philippe Martinez, secretary general of the General Confederation of Labor – France’s largest union. “Beyond the unions, citizens must take to the streets to ensure that their social and environmental demands are made strong and clear.” Marches and meetings took place throughout France, including major cities beyond Paris, such as Marseille, Nantes and Toulouse. The radical groups to be included included the Yellow Vests, which were behind regular riots in major cities such as Paris during Macron’s first term. Anarchists who frequently targeted buildings, including banks and luxury stores, also had to infiltrate the crowds. “About 5,000 police and gendarmes are on duty and include riot control units,” said a Paris police source. “May Day usually attracts crowds of up to 20,000 and this year is not expected to be any different.” There is particular anger over Mr Macron’s rising cost of living and plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 65. Others – including the Yellow Vests – are unhappy with the whole system of government in France, saying too much power is being invested in the president. Jean-Luc Melanson, the hardline left-wing politician who came in third in this year’s presidential election, was one of the leaders in the May Day march in Paris on Sunday. It was between two of the big protest squares in the city – Democracy and Nation. Melanson called on all Left parties to “unite and regain the will to win” in time for the June parliamentary elections. Mr Melanson’s aim is to deprive Macron of the majority of work in the National Assembly, making his governance more difficult. May Day was chosen in 1889 as the date for International Workers’ Day by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International.
