At least 12 people have been injured in clashes between police and protesters opposing a new labour law in the French capital Paris, in the latest outbreak of violence over the controversial changes that critics say take away workers’ rights.
The demonstration on Thursday was part of nationwide rallies against the so-called Loi travail law that aims to make it easier for companies to increase working hours beyond the current 35-hour working week and facilitate lay-offs.
Four demonstrators and eight police were injured in the clashes in Paris, in which protesters hurled molotov cocktails and police fired tear gas and stun grenades. Fifteen protesters were arrested.
Police in the capital said around 13,000 people took part in the rally – the 14th demonstration in six months against the legislation, which was forced into law without a vote in July despite a string of massive protests and much political opposition, even from within the ruling party.
According to police, about 78,000 took part in demonstrations across the country. Protest organizers estimated the turnout to be around 170,000.