Protesters angry with president Emmanuel Macron and his plan to raise the pension age clashed with police across France yesterday as demonstrations and strikes threaten to overshadow King Charles' official visit this weekend.
In central Paris, police used tear gas after protesters threw projectiles and set fire to uncollected rubbish piled high in the streets. A McDonald's restaurant was also ransacked.
Small groups of "Black Bloc" anarchists were seen among the protesters. Unions fear that protests could turn more violent if there continues to be no political response from the government.
Charles De Gaulle airport was hit by wildcat strike action, while high-speed trains and other public transport were disrupted nationwide. About 30 per cent of flights at Paris Orly Airport were cancelled.
The Eiffel Tower and the Versailles Palace were closed, major roads and junctions were blockaded, power output was reduced and around one-quarter of public teachers joined a national walkout.
Police fired tear gas at protesters in several cities, including the western cities of Nantes and Bordeaux. In Rennes, they used water cannons. In the western town of Lorient, Ouest-France newspaper said projectiles caused a brief fire in the yard of a police station.
This story is from the March 24, 2023 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the March 24, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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