. HUMAN RIGHTS .
A press release from the CGT (Confédération générale du travail) (translation by CPNN)
Emmanuel Macron stated, “it is not recommended to demonstrate”—800,000 people responded!
On October 24, according to our count as of 5:30 PM, nearly 800,000 young people, workers, and retirees mobilized against the high cost of living and to demand dignified conditions for study.
Yet, Emmanuel Macron had taken the liberty of declaring that “what is recommended is not to demonstrate,” and—along with his government—orchestrated an unprecedented repressive apparatus.
Click on the image to see a video of the Paris demonstration take from facebook
Dozens of demonstrations were banned, including in locations where the CGT and various trade union organizations had already submitted planned routes. In other cities, such as Paris, routes that had been approved were altered repeatedly—often at the very last minute—making it impossible to organize the demonstrations effectively.
Once again, protesters were detained, tear-gassed, obstructed, and taken into police custody. Despite this strategy of chaos, the government’s numerous provocations, and rhetoric painting protesters as thugs, the mobilizations remained peaceful, festive, and determined.
(Click here for the original article in French.)
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How can freedom of assembly be defended?
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Today’s message is clear: no amount of repression or bans on demonstrations will stop this mobilization. The anger is immense, and the determination even greater. The government and the employers must urgently address social demands.
The CGT once again commends the exemplary commitment of its activists—particularly those in its departmental unions—who worked to plan routes, ensure the safety of the marches, and uphold the right to protest. While Emmanuel Macron may have decided that trade unions belong to the past, current events confirm just how essential it is for workers to join a union. It is precisely because the CGT and other trade union organizations exist that the government was forced to back down and respect the freedom to demonstrate.
Now, the strike must take the lead. Let us not give the employers a moment’s peace! They are the ones responsible for the high cost of living and austerity! Together with the inter-union coalition, the CGT is calling for a major day of strikes and demonstrations on November 5th. The CGT urges all workers to hold general assemblies in their workplaces to define their demands and organize the strike.
In Orléans, nearly 30,000 people took to the streets to remind everyone that the *Rassemblement National* (National Rally) will never be a party like any other. It poses a mortal danger to our democracy, our Republic, and all workers.
Far-right ideologies, racism, and antisemitism kill. Yesterday, a racist attack brought sorrow to our country. The CGT extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the victims, their families, and the residents of Trappes and La Verrière. The sense of shock and grief is profound. It only strengthens our determination to fight against the far right and its ideas.
The CGT calls for the social mobilization to continue growing until our demands are met.
(Editor’s note: This continues the wave of demonstrations sweeping Europe, as described last week in CPNN.
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