Tens of thousands of anti-Macron supporters marched behind the far-left opposition party leader Jean-Luc Melenchon to the Republique Square in Paris on Saturday, in protest against recent labour law reforms introduced by French President Emmanuel Macron.
SOT, Olivier Besancenot, Nouveau Parti Anticapitaliste (The New Anticapitalist Party) spokesperson (French): “French President Emmanuel Macron thinks that it’s not the street that makes the law, so we will refresh his memory, and demonstrate to him that the street (resistance) can both decide the law and undo laws. It’s already happened recently, measures like the first job contract, which had been voted in by the European Parliament, can be withdrawn and defeated by the street (resistance).”
SOT, Jean-Luc Melenchon, France Insoumise (Defiant France) President (French): “Mr. President, it remains for you to consult the History of France to learn that it was the street that killed the kings; Nazis, it is the street that protected the Republic against the generals felons in 1962, it is the street that obtained the recognition of the right to create union sections, which obtained the 4th week of paid leave and 30 percent increase of the minimum wage in 1958.”
SOT, Jean-Luc Melenchon, France Insoumise President (French): “So we promise to come closer to these trade unions, if they want, to propose to them to be at the head of the struggle, in a fight that must be determined, decisive and all together.”
SOT, Jean-Luc Melenchon, France Insoumise President (French): “It will be a strong and dense action, as for example, to sweep a million [people] on the Champs-Elysees!”
SOT, Pierre Laurent, Parti Communiste Francais (French Communist Party) national secretary (French): “Because the movements are going to be very strong next week for road transport, the unitary movements that are preparing the public service – the demonstrations of the retired – there will be a rising response, which is now growing in our country, and we want to encourage it and help it build itself in unity.”