France’s main trade unions have announced a new demonstration for January 31 following a day of protests against the government’s pension reform, which they have described as «successful».
The French Democratic Confederation of Labor (CFDT), Fuerza Obrera and the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), the three main French unions, as well as the National Union of Autonomous Trade Unions (Unsa), Solidarity, the French Confederation of Christian Workers (CFTC) and the Unitary Trade Union Federation (FSU) have joined the measure, as reported by the newspaper ‘Le Figaro’.
In addition to the new day of mobilization on January 31, the inter-union, formed by the above-mentioned groupings, has called for «multiplying actions and initiatives, including strikes» in the coming weeks.
The CGT has specified that two million demonstrators took to the streets during the day throughout France, including 400,000 in Paris. For its part, the Ministry of the Interior has put the total estimate at 1.2 million, with 80,000 in the capital. The Minister of Labor himself, Olivier Dussopt, acknowledged on the BFMTV channel that the mobilization was «important».
The Prefecture of Police confirmed at least 30 arrests during the march in the capital, which was punctuated by some clashes. Some of the demonstrators threw objects at police officers, who responded with tear gas.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
