Fresh protests hit streets to challenge Macron's labor reform

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A week after thousands marched in France's streets protesting new labor rules, nationwide rallies took part on Thursday in a fresh move that opponents hope will be strong enough to force President Emmanuel Macron to reconsider. However, Macron said he will not bow to street pressure.

The hard-left CGT labor union hoped 200 rallies would be held across the country. CGT chief Philippe Martinez said the anti-labor protests would be "further stronger in the coming weeks".

A man runs away from tear gas during clashes with French riot police during a demonstration against the government's labor reforms in Nantes, France, September 21, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Some 132,000 people took part in protests across France on Thursday, the Interior Ministry estimated, about half the number seen at similar rallies last week.

In other action, truck drivers will strike on Monday, pensioners on September 28 and civil servants on October 10.

The hard-left France Unbowed party of Jean-Luc Melenchon plans its own protest on Saturday. "We are combative and this is only the beginning," said Melenchon who joined the Paris protest on Thursday.

"I think we can get this reform removed. In a democracy, political leaders are aware of the balance of powers that exists. One cannot impose on people something they did not want," he added.

Demonstrators build a wall during a demonstration against the government's labor reforms ‍in Nantes, France, September 21, 2017. /Reuters Photo

The moderate CFDT union, France’s biggest, and the leftist Force Ouvriere (FO) have expressed disappointment with Macron, who was elected in May pledging reforms to reboot the economy and cut unemployment, but refused to join the CGT protests.

Despite demonstrations, the government stood firm and passed reform which it deemed necessary for competitiveness. Critics say the new labor rules will further weaken workers' rights.

"I do believe in democracy. And democracy is not on the street," Macron said during the UN Assembly in New York.

"I was clear during my campaign about these reforms. I explained these reforms, I introduced these reforms for weeks and I was elected for that," he added.

Macron's government plans to enact the new labor decrees on Friday.

Source(s): Reuters ,Xinhua News Agency