It is, according to the inter-union, in a context “marked by terribly murderous wars, particularly in Ukraine and Palestine”, that May 1 will be held for plural demands. Where will the procession leave from in Paris and when will it get there?
The event will start at 2 p.m. at Place de la République, and will arrive around 7 p.m. at Place de la Nation. In the meantime, the demonstrators will first take Boulevard Voltaire, then turn off Boulevard Richard-Lenoir to head towards Bastille. And once in Bastille they will head towards Nation via rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine.
Between 15,000 and 30,000 people expected
A specific traffic system has been put in place, according to the police headquarters, “between the Places de la République, de la Bastille and de la Nation, boulevards du Temple, des Filles du Calvaire, Beaumarchais, Diderot, rue de Lyon and Avenue Daumesnil”. “It is strongly recommended that motorists avoid the area very widely for the duration of the event, from 10 a.m.,” specifies the prefecture.
According to a police source, between 15,000 and 30,000 people are expected in the capital, including a few hundred radical demonstrators. But authorities don’t expect it to be extremely tense. At the national level, “less than 150,000 people” are expected, according to a police source, far from the 2023 scores against pension reform.
“A just and lasting peace”
Several watchwords are given. The CGT, FSU, and Solidaires, as well as youth organizations including Unef, Fage and MNL (National High School Movement), have launched a joint appeal in particular “against austerity”, for employment and wages or even peace: “Our organizations reaffirm their commitment to a just and lasting peace within the framework of international law, which cannot be achieved on the conditions of the aggressor,” they write. “Like the minimum wage, we must at least index salaries, pensions and the index point to prices. […] We must increase social minimums, scholarships […]. Our organizations call for opposition to austerity policies in France and in Europe,” they add. in a press release.
As the European elections on June 9 approach, the CFDT for its part called for people to “join the processions organized throughout France, to demand a more ambitious and more protective Europe for workers.” FO will mobilize “on its own positions and demands”.
In Paris, FO activists will pay tribute as usual to the fighters of the Commune, in front of the Fédérés wall at the Père-Lachaise cemetery in the morning, before demonstrating from the Place d’Italie at noon.