Paris police dispersed tear gas on Thursday among protesters against the reform of labor legislation in France, according to a report by Sputnik correspondent from the scene.
According to the report, the police action was in response to the provocations by "aggressively-minded" young people who threw bottles and stones at the police, as well as those who lit flares and firecrackers.
The protesters, whose faces are hidden by black bandages, smashed the buildings of banks and insurance companies and damaged bus stops and waste bins.
The previous massive rally, organized by France's second-largest trade union General Confederation of Labor (CGT) on September 12, gathered some 24,000 participants and was marred by violent clashes between the protesters and police.
The Paris protesters, brought together by the CGT, Solidaires, FSU and UNEF trade unions are expected to march from Montparnasse train station to Place d’Italy square.
In the manifestation, the syndicates try to make their voice heard, saying the new law is favoring social dumping and weakening the positions of labor unions.
Media reported earlier in the day, that the manifestations against the labor code amendment took place in various French regions.
The draft provisions of the labor law have been widely criticized by unions and left-wing parties, as they would make it easier for companies to lay off staff and cut overtime payments. The National Front (FN) party said that the reforms appear to favor large firms rather than small or medium-sized companies.
The French government on August 31 announced the plan to reform labor regulations to give employers more freedom and stimulate the economy. The bill will be submitted to the Council of Ministers of France on Friday.
