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About 1,500 people demonstrated Saturday in Paris against the economic austerity implemented by the country’s social-democrat government, one day before the country’s regional elections.
Called by several associations for the unemployed supported by various left-wing parties, the protesters marched from the Stalingrad Square to the Clichy Square under the banner of “for social justice and against the high unemployment rates.”
Protesters say there is a “state of social emergency,” referring to the current state of emergency implemented after the Nov. 13 terror attacks in Paris.
“Unemployment and vulnerability keep growing, “said Jean-Paul, a retired worker who was unemployed for four years. “Sadly, we remain unheard,” he told Agence-Frace Presse.
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Manifestation #chômeurs #precaires #paris #jaures pic.twitter.com/Ltw7wbgtZ3
— Alice Coffin (@alicecoffin)
5 Décembre 2015
On Tuesday, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls announced the renewal of Christmas bonuses – a benefit that reaches two million underprivileged people. The announcement did not appease tensions however, as 3.6 million people are currently unemployed in the country while another 5 to 8.5 million live in poverty, according to the latest estimate.
October unemployment rates were the highest on record since 2013, with 42,000 people joining the ranks of those without a job. During the third quarter of 2015, the average national rate reached more than 10 percent – the highest rate in almost two decades,
The protest took place one day before France’s regional elections, which has centered on security, Islam and refugees following the Nov. 13 attacks. Observers say the far right National Front party stands to make gains as a result of the tensions generated following the attacks which left 130 dead and 368 injured.
