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Violence erupted in central Paris on Sunday as thousands used traditional May Day protests to protest against the re-election of President Emmanuel Macron.
At least 5,000 officers were on duty in Paris alone on Sunday, with water cannons and armored vehicles also on the streets of the French capital.
Tear gas and batons were used against a crowd near Place de la Bastille after banks and a McDonalds fast food restaurant were attacked.
“The violence appears to be organized and targeted,” said an eyewitness.
“Boys in black hoodies and balaclavas are breaking things, while others are shouting for Macron to resign.
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A demonstrator is preparing to throw a stone during the annual May Day protest in Paris
/ AFP via Getty Images
This was followed by street violence that erupted a week ago when Macron won a second term, defeating far-right rival Marine Le Pen in the presidential election.
“The May Day mobilization must be as large as possible,” said Philippe Martinez, secretary general of the General Confederation of Labor, France’s largest union.
“Apart from trade unions, citizens need to take to the streets to make sure that their social and environmental demands are expressed clearly.
Marches and meetings took place throughout France, including in major cities outside Paris, such as Marseille, Nantes and Toulouse.
The radical groups that had to take part included the Yellow Vests, which were behind the regular riots in big cities like Paris during Macron’s first term.
Anarchists, who often target buildings, including banks and luxury stores, also had to infiltrate the crowds.
“About 5,000 police and gendarmerie officers are on duty and include riot control units,” said a source from the Paris police.
“May Day usually attracts crowds of up to 20,000 people and this year is not expected to be any different.
He is particularly angry about Macron’s rising living costs and plans to raise the retirement age from 62 to 65.
Others – including the yellow vests – are unhappy with France’s entire system of government, saying too much power has been invested in the president.
Jean-Luc Melenchon, the tough politician who finished third in this year’s presidential election, was one of the leaders of the May Day march in Paris on Sunday.
It was between two of the largest protest squares in the city – the Republic and the Nation.
Melenchon called on all left-wing parties to “unite and regain the will to win” in time for the June legislative elections.
Mr Melenchon’s aim is to deprive Macron of a working majority in the National Assembly, making it difficult for him to govern.
May Day was chosen in 1889 as the date of the International Day of Socialist and Communist Workers of the Second International.
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