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Thousands protest far-right ideas in France

WION Web Team
New DelhiUpdated: Jun 12, 2021, 09:41 PM IST
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Photograph:(Reuters)

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Organisers reported 70,000 protesters in Paris and 150,000 around the nation

Thousands of people across France marched against what organisers said was going influence of the far-right ideas ahead of presidential elections due next year.

Members of more than 100 left-leaning organisations participated in 'Liberty March' in about 140 cities and towns across the country.

The march was the first opportunity for the left to come out in the streets after a year and a half of Covid-19 restrictions.

Organisers reported 70,000 in Paris and 150,000 around the nation.

The protester vented against issues like recent legislation that they say chips away at liberties. A recently-passed law that could see prosecutions for publishing footage of police officers in action was criticised.

Far-right ideas "are no longer the monopoly of far-right parties and ... have now largely penetrated the political class," said Benoit Hamon, who was a Socialist presidential candidate in 2017.

In Paris, hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon had flour thrown in his face as he spoke to reporters.

The move against the veteran politician, who has been accused of fuelling conspiracy theories ahead of next year's elections, came days after President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face while shaking hands with people on a regional visit.

Group partaking included Socialists, Communists, ecologists and unions, among others.

(With inputs from agencies)