French police used tear gas to disperse radical groups during the traditional May Day march in Paris, local media reported.
The march started from the Place de la République“ and headed towards Place de la Nation.
Although most of the demonstration was peaceful, groups of masked protesters (the so-called “black blocs“) began throwing objects (stones and bottles) at the police and attacked bank branches.
This year's protests were organized by the major unions under the slogan “Bread, Peace and Freedom“.
The main demands are against planned budget cuts for 2026, high energy costs due to the conflict in the Middle East and for higher wages.
Nearly 80,000 police and gendarmes have been deployed across the country to prevent an escalation of tensions.
In Paris, 11 metro stations were closed for security reasons. for security.
According to authorities in Paris, about 55,000 people marched, while unions claim that the number of participants in the capital reached 100,000.