Thousands of people demonstrate in Paris against inflation

Thousands of people took to the streets of Paris to protest against rising prices. This is increasing the pressure on President Macron’s government.

The campaign for wage increases, among other things, was organized by the left-wing opposition parties. Organizers called it a march against the high cost of living and against passive action in the climate crisis. The protesters called for the freezing of prices for energy, rents and basic necessities.

The garbage cans were set on fire and vandalized. Despite these incidents, the police said they had the situation under control.

Several streets were clogged with crowds:

Organizers say there were more than 140,000 protesters, but police estimate around 30,000, according to French media

In a speech, leader Mélenchon of the far-left party La France Insoumise said that Macron’s leadership has thrown France into chaos.

Macron’s coalition lost a majority in parliament in June. This makes it harder for him to implement the policy than him. The budget plan for next year is under pressure, among other things.

Several unions have called for a big strike day for the transport companies. It’s scheduled for next Tuesday.

In France, there have also been strikes in the fuel sector for some time, causing huge fuel shortages. This has created long lines of motorists waiting at gas stations.