F R A N C E, P A R I S
01st May 2023, Violent clashes erupt as an estimated 80,000 - 100,000 protesters and trade unions gather in Paris for this year's International Workers Day.
Protesters threw petrol bombs, torched buildings and pelted riot police with rocks, fireworks and other projectiles. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets.
The French government has since accused protesters of attempting to murder officers.
Hundreds of both protesters and police were left injured during demonstrations across the country.
Originally a day to celebrate labourers and the working class, this year sees a continuation of mass protests against president Macron’s recently enacted pension reform, which increases the country’s retirement age from 62 to 64.
