Tens of thousands march in Lyon as clashes and tear gas mark French strike day
On the fourth nationwide union strike day of the autumn in France, 30,500 people marched in Lyon by official count and 55,000 by the CGT union's estimate. Police used tear gas near Pont Gallieni and six arrests were reported.
Tens of thousands of people marched through Lyon, France, on Thursday during the fourth nationwide strike day organised by French unions this autumn. The unions are protesting over pay and public services. Authorities counted 30,500 marchers, while the CGT, one of France's major trade union confederations, put the figure at 55,000.
The march
The slow, noisy column moved through the eastern part of central Lyon, with banners and flares at its head. Participants carried union banners as well as Palestinian flags.
The route was set by local authorities, who had banned demonstrations across much of central Lyon because they feared a repeat of vandalism and looting. The unions challenged the restrictions in court but lost their appeal.
Clashes and disruption
Tensions rose near Pont Gallieni. Police said about 500 demonstrators dressed in black threw projectiles and set off fireworks. Riot officers responded with tear gas, and six arrests were reported.
The strike also disrupted daily life in the city: all metro and funicular services were suspended.
