French police clash with students clash

A series of violent clashes have erupted between French police and angry students who staged massive rallies against government’s unpopular reforms in the labor sector.

According to the reports, on Thursday, large crowds of university and high school students along with members of labor unions took to the streets of the capital Paris, the western cities of Nantes and Rennes, and the southern city of Lyon to denounce President Francois Hollande's austerity plans targeting maximum working hours, holidays, and pay on rest breaks.

The protesters chanted anti-government slogans and also held up banners that read: "All together against the Labor law" and "Young and insurgent, the world is ours" to express their opposition to the legislation.

Fierce scuffles broke out after protesters threw bottles at police which retaliated by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds. A few people were slightly injured during the latest protest rallies.

This is the third time anti-reform rallies, organized by labor unions, turn violent across France since the beginning of this month.

The demonstrators are dissatisfied with the proposed reforms introduced by Labor Minister Maryam el-Khormi.

The much-hated reforms have put almost all aspects of France’s strict labor regulations up for discussion between employers and the employees.

According to protesters, the government must withdraw the draft law because it prevents employers from employing new workforce.

SS