A day before a large union demonstration set to take in Paris, police have pulled the plug. Previous demos were marked by violence, and security forces are already under strain due to the Euro 2016 tournament in France.
Image: Reuters/J.-P. Pelissier
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Wednesday's decision by French police to ban a labor union march - scheduled for Thursday - could lead to increased tension between the French government and unions. Earlier this week the French government said a stationary rally would be permissible, but the union insisted on its right to conduct a march.
French police said Wednesday they would be unable to be ensure the protest's security if it went forward as planned. After the demonstration was called off, the leaders of two of France's biggest unions - Philippe Martinez of the CGT Jean-Claude Mailly of FO - demanded to meet with Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. Officials preventing a rally for going forward in this manner is a very rare occurrence in France.
Speaking on France's iTELE television station, lawmaker Christian Paul called the move a "historic mistake" and said it was the first time since 1958 that the "government – a prime minister" banned a demonstration by large trade unions. Paul is in the same socialist PS party as President Francois Hollande and Prime Minister Manuel Valls and leads a group of parliamentarians in the party against the government's planned labor reforms, which affect companies' ability to hire and fire workers as well as the length of the work week.
Earlier in June, as France was preparing to launch the still-running European Championship soccer tournament, a series of strikes left garbage piling up in the streets and transportation systems running with significant delays as thousands of fans came to France for the tournament. A labor demonstration last week turned violent, leading to 40 people injured and dozens of arrests.
Strikes at Euro 2016
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After a children's hospital in Paris was damaged by a small group of violent protesters at last week's demonstration, a spokesperson for French President Francois Hollande said "at a time when France is hosting the Euro (football tournament), when it is faced with terrorism, demonstrations can no longer be authorized if property and people and public property cannot be safeguarded."
Although the trouble was caused by a few of the otherwise peaceful demonstrators, police estimated there were 80,000 people at the protest in the capital.
mz/kms (AFP, AP, Reuters)
10 cities hosting the UEFA EURO 2016
The European Championship will be held in France between 10 June and 10 July. From Paris to Marseille, the matches will take place in 10 cities overall. Take a look at what they have to offer.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/G. Horcajuelo
Saint-Denis
The first match takes place at the Stade de France in the Saint-Denis district of Paris. The 2016 European Championship trophy is placed in front of the Basilica of St Denis. Completed in 1144, it is considered the first Gothic church. Marie Antoinette is among the monarchs buried there.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/M.Euler
Lens
A diamond in the rough, this city in northern France has been reinventing itself in recent years. The Louvre-Lens art museum was inaugurated in 2012 and is built on the site of an old coal mine. The city’s abandoned industrial complexes (pictured) add to its unique character by acknowledging its past.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/B. Pascal
Bordeaux
Called the "Pearl of Aquitaine", Bordeaux is renowned for its beauty and its wine (two thirds of French wine comes from this southwest region of France). The "Miroir d’eau" (mirror of water) is at the heart of the city, reflecting the Place de la Bourse - twice the beauty.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/D.Thierry
Marseille
Marseille has an energetic vibe. Despite being France’s second largest city, it has avoided becoming a tourist trap and boasts both a maritime and an urban feel. Pictured is the stunning Cathédrale de la Major.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/E.Tschaen
Paris
Anyone visiting the French capital will encounter the most renowned landmarks, but explorers can make many surprising discoveries beyond the Eiffel Tower. From the city’s iconic sites to contemporary art in front of the Centre Pompidou (pictured), Paris has something for everyone.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Kalaene
Nice
The clear waters, brilliant sunlight and pebbly beaches of Nice have drawn tourists for centuries. Inspiration for artists like Chagall and Matisse, this city on the French Riviera holds many treasures. From its fish markets to the Chagall museum’s astounding collection, Nice lives up to its name "Nice la belle".
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/A. Hall
Lille
Once a center of mining, Lille is a university city now known for its lively character and cuisine. The Alsatian architecture provides a charming backdrop for a daytime stroll.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/S.Jerry
Toulouse
Located on the River Garonne, Toulouse is called the "Pink City" due to the color of its terracotta brick architecture. Home to the largest space center in Europe, Toulouse Space Center, the city’s origins go back to at least the eighth century BC. Pictured is the view over the magnificent Place du Capitole.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/D. Becus
Lyon
Situated between the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon has a relaxing vibe. Famous for its wine and cuisine, L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges (pictured) is one of the city’s Michelin star restaurants. Between the old city, the boulevards lined with shops, and the unassuming atmosphere, there is hardly any place more French.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/I. Langsdon
Saint-Etienne
Football is huge in Saint-Etienne. But this city in the Loire valley has many other surprising delights. Its specialty is chocolate, and among the city’s fine examples of modern architecture is the Cité du Design (pictured).
