Protesters in Paris and the rest of France marched against French President Macron´s plan to raise age of retirement
Violent protests were witnessed in Paris and the rest of France during the ninth day of nationwide demonstrations, as police fired tear gas on Thursday, March 23.
Hundreds of thousands of people marched as they demanded President Emmanuel Macron´s plan to raise the age of pension to be withdrawn.
Among the protests were also teachers, who walked out of their jobs, as did other professionals after the legislation to change the retirement age from 62 to 64 years was introduced.
According to Reuters, most of the protests in Paris were peaceful, aside from some incidents where “Black Block” anarchists smashed windows.
The group also reportedly demolished furniture on the streets and ransacked a McDonald´s restaurant.
Tear gas was fired at protestors in several cities, including Nantes, Lorient, and Lille, while water cannons were reportedly used in Rennes.
“149 police officers were injured and 172 people were arrested across the country”, said French interior minister Gerald Darmanin.
Darmanin also said, “There are thugs, often from the far-left, who want to bring down the state and kill police officers”.
Multiple protestors have also been injured including a woman who lost her thumb in Normandy.
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