Violence erupts in Paris as May Day demonstrators throw fireworks at a McDonald’s restaurant

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Violence erupted in Paris today where 45 people were arrested as thousands of May Day demonstrators clashed with police to protest against the re-election of President Emmanuel Macron by attacking banks and throwing tear gas and fireworks at a McDonald’s restaurant.

Protest marches have been held around the world to mark International Workers’ Day and while some remained peaceful parades, others escalated into violent clashes and destruction.

At least 5,000 officers wearing riot gear were on duty in Paris on Sunday – with water cannons and armoured cars also deployed on the streets of the French capital.

Tensions erupted in Paris, as some demonstrators smashed windows at some banks, a fast-food restaurant and a real estate agency, apparently partially the work of masked men dressed in black. French police moved in, firing rounds of tear gas. That failed to stop a woman from attacking a firefighter trying to douse a street fire.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said 45 people had been detained so far, including the young woman. Eight police officers were injured, he said, calling the perpetrators of the violence ‘thugs’ who were trying ‘to stop the right to demonstrate.’

Tear gas and baton charges were used against a mob close to Place de la Bastille, as banks and a McDonalds fast food outlet were attacked by protesters dressed in black hoods and wearing balaclavas. 

Before the violence erupted, trade unionists and citizens carried banners that read ‘Retirement at 60, Freeze Prices’, ‘Retirement Before Arthritis’ and ‘Macron, Get Out’ in response to the newly re-elected President’s plans of raising the retirement age to 65.

‘The violence appears organised and directed at specific targets,’ said an eye witness.

‘Guys with black hoods and balaclavas are smashing stuff up while others scream for Macron to resign.’

Today’s riots followed street violence breaking out a week ago, when Mr Macron won a second term by beating far-Right rival Marine Le Pen in the presidential election.

Macron beat Le Pen 58.5 per cent to 41.5 per cent to win the re-election last Sunday – but Le Pen produced her highest-ever level of support in her three attempts to become France’s leader.

His win was made official on Wednesday and he is yet to hold a Cabinet meeting before setting a date for his inauguration ceremony, which must be held by May 13.

‘The May Day mobilisation must be as massive as possible,’ said Philippe Martinez, general secretary of the General Confederation of Labour – France’s largest trade union.

‘Beyond the unions, citizens must take to the streets so as to make sure their social and environmental demands are made loud and clear.’

Marches and meetings were being held across France, including in major cities beyond Paris, such as Marseille, Nantes and Toulouse.

Radical groups due to take part included the Yellow Vests, who were behind regular riots in major cities such as Paris throughout Mr Macron’s first term.

Anarchists who frequently target buildings including banks and upmarket shops were also due to infiltrate the crowds.

‘Some 5000 police and gendarmes are on duty, and they include riot control units,’ said a Paris police source.

‘May Day usually attracts crowds of up to 20,000, and this year is not expected to be any different.’

There is particular anger at the spiralling cost of living, and Macron’s plans to raise the pension age from 62, up to 65.

Others – including the Yellow Vests – are unhappy with the entire system of government in France, saying that too much power is invested in the president.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, the hard-Left politician who came third in this year’s presidential election, was one of those leading the May Day march in Paris on Sunday.

It was between two of the great protest squares in the city – Republic and Nation.

Melenchon has called for all Left Wing parties to ‘unite, and to regain the will to win’, in time for legislative elections in June.

Mr Melenchon’s aim is to deprive Mr Macron of a working majority in the National Assembly, so making it harder for him to govern.

Meanwhile, the governing Mayor of Berlin Franziska Giffey attended a rally today to mark International Workers’ Day at Bradenburg in Germany anfd  

May Day was in 1889 chosen as the date for International Workers’ Day by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International.

The traditional May Day protests are taking place around the world in London, Germany, Brazil and Cuba with tens of thousands turning up for the organised rallies.

Demonstrators at Trafalgar Square in London were pictured holding banners that read ‘Boycott P&O’ following the disgraced operators decision to replace the nearly 800 experienced seafarers with cheap agency staff.

The London website read: ‘May Day will be celebrating everything workers achieved through the Covid pandemic, those hit by it, and all our continuing battles to save jobs, public services and for fair distribution of the wealth workers create.

‘The spivs and chancer friends of Government made a killing during Covid. Downing Street became a party centre. Ordinary people took the hits financially and medically. Workers health & safety is under attack. The Grenfell fire exposed what Government really think about protecting ordinary people. 

‘The environmental crisis poses a threat to us all, hitting the poorest most whilst the rich exploit the planet. The need for international solidarity has never been greater with so many facing physical threat and economic hardship.’