France CPE Riot Watch: Latest CPE Protest Turns Violent

Youths stand behind a fire after a demonstration in Rennes, western France, Tuesday, April 4, 2006. Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched through cities around France, hoping to make their biggest show of strength yet to demand the repeal of a job law that has divided the country, known as CPE, and which would make it easier for employers to fire young workers.

ASSociated Press: Latest Paris Demonstration Turns Violent

Demonstrators opposed to a new jobs law swarmed parts of downtown Paris on Tuesday, throwing stones, tearing down street signs and ripping up park benches. Riot police, firing tear gas canisters and making several charges, carried away protesters in handcuffs.

Police said at least 1 million people poured into the streets around the country in the latest protests against the law, which makes it easier to fire young workers. Organizers said 3 million people marched.

A nationwide strike shut down the Eiffel Tower and snarled air and rail travel for the second time in a week while students barricaded themselves in schools.

It was the second time in a week that unions and student groups had succeeded in mobilizing such numbers. The largest march, in Paris, drew at least 80,000 people, while 935,000 marched in other parts of the country, police said.

Organizers put the figure in the capital at 700,000.

But, there was violence…..

Riot police officers chase youths after a demonstration in a street of Rennes, western France, Tuesday, April 4, 2006.

Protestors smash shop windows during a student demonstration against the First Job Contract (CPE) in Lille, northern France, April 4, 2006. French transport workers and teachers staged new strikes on Tuesday and students across the country gathered for street protests they hope will kill off the disputed CPE, a youth hire-and-fire law.

Violence erupted at the end of the largest protest, in Paris, with youths pelting police with stones, fighting and using metal bars to break up chunks of pavement that they hurled at helmeted riot officers.

One young woman twirled flaming batons. The sounds of blowing whistles were heard throughout the plaza.

Officers carrying batons and shields charged several times, making arrests.

Violence over this CPE First Job Contract law is ridiculous. These demonstrations will ruin France’s tourism and business climate.

But, perhaps that is what the unions and socialists desire……

Riot police arrest a protestor following clashes between an element of violent demonstrators and police after a student demonstration against the First Job Contract (CPE) in Lille, northern France, April 4, 2006. French transport workers and teachers staged new strikes on Tuesday and students across the country gathered for street protests they hope will kill off the disputed CPE, a youth hire-and-fire law.

Stay tuned…….