A May 1st in the rain. Météo-France announces gloomy weather for this new International Workers’ Day. But will the gray weather dissuade participants from taking to the streets? In France, the authorities expect between 120,000 and 130,000 demonstrators, indicates 20 minutes a source close to the case. A figure well below the 800,000 people mobilized against the pension reform that the police had counted in 2023.
A police source, interviewed by AFP, predicts “a return to the traditional mobilizations” of recent years, with therefore a “very relative enthusiasm” in the processions where the civil service, particularly with teachers, could provide the bulk of the troops.
12,000 police and gendarmes mobilized
According to our information, 12,000 police officers and gendarmes will be mobilized tomorrow across the country, including 5,000 in Paris, where 15,000 to 30,000 demonstrators are expected. The authorities fear the presence of hundreds of black blocs, ultra-left, pro-Palestinian activists and students mobilized against the war in the Middle East, during the 340 scheduled rallies.
In a note revealed by BFMTVterritorial intelligence agents confirm that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict “could […] invite yourself” into the streets this May 1st.
“The abuses promise to be limited”
The police also expect that critics of the Olympic and Paralympic Games will “take advantage of the platform offered by Labor Day to target” the event. The arrival of the Olympic flame on May 8, in Marseille, “could encourage activists to mobilize” on Wednesday.
However, the authors of this note consider that, this year, “the abuses appear to be limited”. “This event does not as such present a proven risk in terms of public order.”