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French demonstrator puts children's future ahead of a family weekend

The Irish report combines marchers' reasons for protesting with clashes in several cities and lower turnout than the previous weekend.

Channel: RTÉ News ·

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Clashes as hundreds of thousands protest in France | RTÉ News

"I think we'd all rather be with our families today," a demonstrator says in an English voiceover translation. His reason for joining the French protests is also about family: thinking about his children makes being there important.

That explanation gives a personal perspective to the crowds in a report by RTÉ News, the news service of Ireland's public broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann. Reporter Sheila Naughton describes hundreds of thousands marching across France for a third consecutive weekend over living costs and public services. The broadcaster also identifies opposition to police violence among the grievances.

Left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon is shown marching with supporters in Paris. Saint-Denis mayor Bally Bagayoko expresses solidarity with trade unions and argues that school and university students, particularly those from working-class neighbourhoods, have a right to demand genuine equality.

The report distinguishes the marches from the confrontations that followed. Many demonstrations passed peacefully, Naughton says, but tensions escalated in Paris, Marseille and Lyon. Footage shows riot police, tear gas and fireworks during the clashes.

Despite the large crowds, Naughton concludes that overall participation was lower than the previous weekend.

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