France's far left takes to the streets against Macron
Source: Reuters
SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 / 4:17 AM / UPDATED 20 MINUTES AGO
Ingrid Melander, Arthur Connan
PARIS (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of supporters of French far-left opposition party leader Jean-Luc Melenchon gathered on Pariss Bastille Square on Saturday to march against President Emmanuel Macrons labour reforms.
Trade union protests against Macrons plan to make hiring and firing easier and give companies more power over working conditions seem to be losing steam, but Melenchons France Unbowed party was hoping for a show of force to reinforce its credentials as Macrons strongest political opponent.
Some recalled a campaign rally in March, weeks before the presidential election, that drew some 130,000 people. There is the same gaiety, the same enthusiasm as during the presidential campaign. When it starts like this, its already a win, said Chantal Quillot, a 64-year-old pensioner who had come by bus from Agen in southwest France.
Macron campaigned for the presidency as someone who could bridge the divide between left and right. But since his election, he has already alienated many, especially on the left, by saying he would be a Jupiter-like president, above the fray, and with his avowed determination not to tolerate slackers.
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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-reform-protests/frances-far-left-takes-to-the-streets-against-macron-idUSKCN1BY07K?il=0
French Far-Left Leader Rallies Thousands Of Macron Critics To Streets
By ANGELA CHARLTON Published SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 10:14 AM
PARIS (AP) — French far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon rallied disaffected voters Saturday against President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to weaken worker protections, amid spreading discontent with Macron’s vision of a more business-friendly economy.
Thousands gathered at the iconic Place de la Bastille for a march through eastern Paris, including Melenchon supporters, environmental activists, anti-capitalism campaigners and others just seeking an outlet for their frustration with France’s new, young president. Melenchon’s Defiant France party said it bused in protesters from more than 150 French towns. A huge balloon on top of a truck read “Macron, Resign!”
The protesters’ anger is centered on labor decrees that Macron signed Friday reducing French unions’ influence over workplace rules and making it easier for companies to fire workers. Macron says the change is needed so France can compete in the global economy. Opponents say he is dismantling the French lifestyle.
Melenchon, seeking to position himself as France’s leading opposition figure after a strong fourth-place showing in this year’s presidential election, wants the labor law decrees withdrawn.
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