Paris
3 April: Summary of events in France
Yesterday's protests in France included the occupation of the Eiffel Tower, a symbolic trial of Jacques Chirac and reports of fires at job centres and benefit offices in Paris and Toulouse.
Around 200 students occupied two legs of the Eiffel Tower, symbol par excellance of Paris, France, stopping access to the tourist site for nearly one hour before being dislodged. They then moved onto the Headquarters of the UMP but police presence repelled their plans for a symbolic occupation.
Anti-CPE Movement: Paris, 4th April 2006
Photos of the April 4th 2006 demonstration against the CPE in Paris. Photos from http://www.flickr.com/photos/cicilie/.
More spontaneous blockades
A round-up of some of yesterday's (31 March) school and office occupations and blockades of roads and railways against the CPE.
Late Friday night up to 10,000 were said to be still be in the streets after a protest at Chiracs announcement that he would promulgate the controversial CPE.
Round up of earlier events
Anti-CPE Movement: Paris, 31st March 2006 (c. 23h30)
Photos of anti-CPE riots on the night of 31st March 2006 around the Sacré Coeur area of Paris.
Gare de Lyon blockade - photos
Photos from todays two hour long blockade of the Gare de Lyon train station in central Paris.
Anti-CPE Movement: Bastille, 31st March 2006 (c. 21h)
Photos later on in the evening from the earlier demonstration at the Bastille on March 31st 2006, when anti-CPE demonstrators clashed with police. Photos from http://thibautcho.free.fr/.
Spontaneous demonstrations against Chirac
Several thousand people took part in demonstrations in Paris to protest against the promulgation of the CPE.
The CPE (First Employment Contract) was announced earlier today by President Jacques Chirac, the principal target of the demonstrators.
Anti-CPE Movement: Bastille, 31st March 2006 (c. 19h30)
Photos of the March 31st 2006 demonstration against the CPE at the Bastille, in Paris. Photos from http://thibautcho.free.fr/.
Anti-CPE Movement: Bastille, 31st March 2006 (c. 16h)
Photos of the blocking of the Bastille around 4pm by high-school pupils. Photos from: http://thibautcho.free.fr/
Workers take protest to Parisian theatre
At 18.00 yesterday, a group of cultural, temporary workers, students and “Precaires” (workers in precarious or casual labour), penetrated the prestigious Chaillot National Theatre.
Newspaper Liberation reported the events occured at the Trocadero, in the chic 16th arrondissement of Paris for an indefinite occupation.
