The demonstration against the pension reform brought together a huge crowd this Thursday in Nantes. Between 80,000 people, according to the inter-union, and 25,000, according to the police, marched in the streets. Be there greater local mobilization since the start of the union marches against the reform. The event was however tarnished by the presence of many thugs, in greater numbers than in previous weeks.
Several billboards were smashed, as well as a few shop windows. Place du commerce, a telephone store was badly damaged, as well as a ready-to-wear brand. Place de la Petite-Hollande, the access equipment to the enclosed car park was destroyed.
In the same sector, individuals burst into the Nantes administrative court and ransacked part of the premises shortly before 2 p.m. A fire broke out and was quickly brought under control. Firefighters arrived to secure the scene. The damage appears significant.
Several garbage fires were also lit in the city during and after the demonstration. In front of the medical school, a barricade made up of construction elements was also set on fire, releasing thick black smoke for several minutes. The clashes between thugs and police were still ongoing in the middle of the afternoon. The official demonstration started at 11:30 a.m.