03:00France: Protesters clash with police in Nantes as government forces through pension reform
Fierce clashes erupted between riot police and protesters in Nantes on Thursday, after President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to force through his pension changes earlier in the day.
Footage shows demonstrators launching fireworks at police who responded with tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowds. Meanwhile, heaps of uncollected rubbish were seen burning in the street.
The protest started peacefully as thousands assembled outside the Nantes Prefecture building with banners and union flags. Tensions arose as demonstrators started marching through the streets unexpectedly.
On Thursday, Macron decided to use executive privilege to pass his pension reforms without a vote in the National Assembly.
The Senate passed the proposals by 193-144, which increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.
However, the vote in the lower house was withdrawn at the last minute, with the result believed to be too close to call.
Regular demonstrations and strikes against the bill have taken place in recent months, with rallies expected to intensify following the use of executive power.
03:00Fierce clashes erupted between riot police and protesters in Nantes on Thursday, after President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to force through his pension changes earlier in the day.
Footage shows demonstrators launching fireworks at police who responded with tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowds. Meanwhile, heaps of uncollected rubbish were seen burning in the street.
The protest started peacefully as thousands assembled outside the Nantes Prefecture building with banners and union flags. Tensions arose as demonstrators started marching through the streets unexpectedly.
On Thursday, Macron decided to use executive privilege to pass his pension reforms without a vote in the National Assembly.
The Senate passed the proposals by 193-144, which increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.
However, the vote in the lower house was withdrawn at the last minute, with the result believed to be too close to call.
Regular demonstrations and strikes against the bill have taken place in recent months, with rallies expected to intensify following the use of executive power.