Traditional May Day events, dedicated to International Workers’ Day, gathered over 300,000 people across France, according to the CGT union.
Several unions, including CGT, and youth organizations called for May 1st marches “against the far-right, for peace, freedom, and social justice.”
The head of CGT told journalists that over 300,000 people took part in 270 rallies across France, with 100,000 in Paris alone. Law enforcement authorities have not yet released their own figures.
The rally in Paris was marred by complaints of violence against march participants from center-left groups, and the French Socialist Party condemned acts of physical aggression against its supporters and lawmakers.
Asked about these incidents, CGT union leader Sophie Binet said, “These are acts of violence that are not welcome at our marches.”
Last year, CGT counted 210,000 protesters in France during May Day events, including 50,000 in Paris. Authorities at the time estimated a total of 121,000 participants.
