French protesters rampage over labour law

French protesters have rampaged through Paris late night after President Francois Hollande says he would not withdraw a controversial labour law.

Participants of the 'La Nuit Debout' movement in Paris

French protesters have rampaged through Paris over a controversial labour law. (AAP)

Protesters in Paris smashed store windows and damaged cars after French President Francois Hollande said he would not abandon a labour bill that has prompted weeks of sometimes violent demonstrations.

Paris police say groups of troublemakers damaged a supermarket, a jobs centre, bus stops and electric cars used in a municipal car-sharing service, among other businesses, in a late-night march on Thursday.

The violence came shortly after Hollande was questioned on national television about the bill, which is aimed at loosening labour rules to encourage companies to hire.

Hollande's left-wing base considers it a betrayal of France's hard-fought worker protections.

The government has amended it in the face of resistance, but Hollande insisted: "It won't be withdrawn."

Most of the protests, led by unions and students, have been peaceful.


1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world