On a day of renewed protests against the government’s pension reform, clashes and demonstrations unfolded across France, with a notable concentration in Paris. Authorities invoked Article 49.3 of the Constitution to push the reform through without a vote, prompting widespread debate about constitutional procedure and government transparency. The mobilizations, extending through the weekend, included a large turnout in the capital as 20:00 neared, with the Motorized Brigade to Suppress Violent Action (BRAV-M) deployed to maintain order. Police reported using tear gas against groups described as attempting to erect barricades and ignite refuse in several areas, a claim corroborated by a police source.
In remarks from authorities, a police source cited by Le Figaro quoted the presence of violent elements, noting that many organizers had urged dispersal of the gatherings while the demonstrations continued.
A contentious ban on demonstrations in Paris, centered on Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées, was publicly justified by officials as a measure to safeguard public order and security. BFMTV reported that the prohibition aimed to prevent risks to public safety.
Officials warned that those who attempted to assemble in restricted zones could face eviction, fines, and other penalties as enforcement of the ban proceeded.
Meanwhile, some demonstrators moved away from central streets to commercial hubs, with videos circulating on social media showing protesters entering large shopping venues despite security personnel present on site.
Within this broader movement, the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) reported closures at refineries in Normandy as part of coordinated industrial action. The union posted messages suggesting that oil depots and refining facilities were being affected, with calls for continued strikes and energy conservation.
Across France, thousands joined events in cities including Marseille, Toulouse, Nantes, and Gap. Police tallied around 1,500 participants in Marseille’s General De Gaulle square and Ouest France estimated roughly 9,000 attendees in Nantes, illustrating the scale of nationwide participation. (Sources: police figures; Ouest France)
Opposition voices criticized the government, accusing it of ignoring constitutional norms and failing to represent the people. A figure associated with Insoumise Antoine Léaument, a deputy from La France Insoumise, flagged concerns about government respect for the constitution and urged accountability.
A new session was scheduled for Monday to revisit the reform text, with Dans Republics supporting efforts that could pave the way for a fresh motion of reprimand against the Macron government.
Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire addressed the political climate amid discussions of a potential no-confidence motion, telling Le Parisien that the opposition could be seen as attempting to undermine national morale. He criticized conservative MPs who aligned with far-left positions and argued for a focus on stability and policy clarity.
As the day drew to a close, a majority of Republican deputies appeared positioned to back the LIOT group’s no-confidence motion in the National Assembly, signaling continued political maneuvering as the reform debate progressed.