News / France

Police clash with protesters in France

Saturday, 14 May 2016 4:04 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 14 May 2016 4:19 PM ]

Protesters hold a banner denouncing police brutality as well as the government’s move to resort a constitutional article to avoid parliamentary approval for labor reforms, in Rennes, France, May 14, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

Security forces in France have clashed with protesters rallying against police brutality in the town of Rennes.

The Saturday protest turned violent when riot police used tear gas to disperse the protesters, who were building barricades, setting rubbish bins on fire and dismantling CCTV cameras on the streets.

Protesters were denouncing the Socialist government for what they see as iron fist tactics from law enforcement to quell protest demonstrations.

French riot police officers stand in a street during clashes with protesters in Rennes, western France, May 14, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

Over the past few weeks, police have clashed with protesters opposing a government-planned unpopular labor law in most major cities in France.

The French government has resorted to the constitution’s Article 49.3, allowing the ruling Socialists to bypass parliamentary approval and push the controversial labor reform bill through.

The French government says the proposed labor reforms are aimed at curbing the country’s unemployment rate, which President Francois Hollande is trying to lower to below 10 percent.

Protesters set fire to a garbage bin during an anti-police brutality protest in Rennes, France, May 14, 2016. (Photo by AFP)

Protesters and workers’ unions, however, say the government wants to make it easier and less costly for employers to lay off workers.

If the proposed law goes into effect with full force, the 35-hour work week could be extended to 46 hours and companies could reduce employees’ salaries, among other effects.

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