News / France

French police clash with anti-labor reform protesters in Paris

Saturday, 23 April 2016 9:57 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 23 April 2016 9:54 AM ]

Demonstrators hold flares at Place de la Republique square during clashes with French riot police in Paris, France, on April 22, 2016. ©AFP

Fresh skirmishes have erupted between French riot police and scores of demonstrators protesting against a controversial legislation proposed by the ruling center-right coalition government, which will bring about changes to the recruitment policy.

On Friday night, dozens of protesters gathered on Place de la Republique square in the capital, Paris, to express their discontent with the labor reforms commonly referred to as the “El Khomri law” after French Labor Minister Myriam El Khomri.

The protesters set a police car on fire, and many hurled projectiles at security forces. Security personnel fired tear gas canisters and stun grenades in return, and arrested a number of people to break up the demonstration, which was held under the motto “Nuit Debout” or “Rise up at Night.”

French gendarmes run to face demonstrators during a demonstration at Place de la Republique square in Paris, France, on April 22, 2016. ©AFP)

The protest followed similar demonstrations against labor reforms across France over the past few days.

On Wednesday, approximately 700 to 800 protesters took to the streets in the western French city of Nantes against the labor law proposal.

The marchers shouted “Resistance!” as they made their way through the city. They also carried a banner reading “Labor Law, insecurity for perpetuity".

The protesters torched some rubbish bins, and hurled projectiles at police. Security forces used tear gas in return, and made a number of arrests to suppress the demonstration.

French firefighters take action on a police car set on fire at Place de la Republique square during a demonstration in Paris, France, on April 22, 2016. ©AFP

A similar rally was also staged in the capital, where protesters converged on Place de la Republique square. Some of the protesters staged a sit-in outside Quick Burger and McDonald's restaurants, blocking the entrances.

The French government says the proposed labor reforms focus on maximum working hours, holidays as well as breaks, and are aimed at curbing the country's unemployment rate, which President Francois Hollande is trying to lower below 10 percent.

Protesters and workers' unions, however, say the government wants to make it easier and less costly for employers to lay off workers.

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