On May 1, 2025, France witnessed a significant increase in participation for the traditional Labor Day demonstrations, with conflicting reports on the number of demonstrators. According to the French General Confederation of Labor (CGT), over 300,000 people participated nationwide, including around 100,000 in Paris alone. In contrast, the Ministry of the Interior reported a total of 157,000 demonstrators across the country, with 32,000 in the capital. This marks a notable rise from the previous year, where the authorities recorded only 121,000 participants nationwide.
The day was marked by increased tensions, particularly in Paris, where the demonstration was marred by violence aimed at socialist activists and elected officials. Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau condemned the "absolutely lamentable" and "unacceptable" attacks during the event, which left four socialist members slightly injured. Retailleau stated, "Unfortunately, there are socialist officials who were targeted and had to be exfiltrated. I denounce those who engage in such violent practices against perfectly democratic parties." He reported that approximately 200 black bloc members participated in the Paris demonstration.
During the Paris event, 72 people were arrested, including 52 in the capital, with 28 placed in custody. Additionally, six members of the security forces were injured, including four gendarmes and two police officers. The police had to intervene multiple times to restore order, particularly around a stand set up by the Socialist Party (PS), which was attacked by demonstrators throwing projectiles.
Olivier Faure, the first secretary of the PS, expressed outrage at the violence, stating, "We will not let anything pass. We will never accept the violence of fanatics who serve no cause and destroy collective struggles." Faure confirmed that legal complaints were being filed in response to the attacks on party members.
Among those affected was MP Jérôme Guedj, who was targeted during the demonstration. He described the events, saying, "A particularly aggressive group came to insult us... then 20-30 people dressed in black, like black blocs, charged at us, throwing several incendiary devices." Guedj labeled the attackers as "violent cretins" and criticized their actions against democracy and social order.
Chloé Ridel, a spokesperson for the PS, reported that the socialists were insulted and attacked by black blocs, stating, "They tore down our flags and banners, kicked and punched us." She noted that one comrade was "dragged and lynched on the ground," while another elected official was injured. The PS has vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible for the violence.
In addition to the violence in Paris, clashes were reported in Nantes, where 5,000 people participated in the demonstrations. Authorities indicated that 15 arrests were made following altercations between demonstrators and the police, with the latter using water cannons to disperse crowds after projectiles were thrown. The prefecture of Loire-Atlantique confirmed that some demonstrators vandalized the prefecture and engaged in violent confrontations with law enforcement.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, addressed supporters in Narbonne on May 1, framing the day as a "great popular mobilization". She criticized the current economic situation in France, highlighting what she described as a "social hemorrhage" and "industrial desertification" due to recent job cuts. Le Pen, facing a five-year ineligibility sentence for misappropriating public funds, called for unity against what she termed an "enterprise of confiscation of democracy".
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, also spoke at the Paris demonstration, reiterating calls for a return to retirement at 60 years, which he claimed had been "stolen" from the public. He emphasized the need for a political and anti-racist May Day, urging continued efforts for workers' rights.
Sophie Binet, secretary general of the CGT, hailed the May 1 demonstrations as a success, announcing plans for another day of protests and strikes on June 5 to demand the repeal of the pension reform. She stated, "For three months, we have been hearing more about social issues, and today, the primary concerns of the French people are still social issues."
Despite the violence, many cities across France saw peaceful demonstrations. In Dunkirk, hundreds gathered to protest against job cuts announced by ArcelorMittal, which plans to eliminate around 600 positions in France, affecting the local economy significantly. Activists from various left-wing parties joined the protest, emphasizing the importance of maintaining jobs in the region.
In Lyon, approximately 6,500 people participated according to police estimates, while the CGT claimed 10,000. The demonstrations in other cities, including Toulouse, Rennes, and Albi, also drew significant crowds, with various local issues being raised alongside national concerns about workers' rights and social justice.
The day was not without its challenges, as at least two bakeries were fined for opening on May 1, a day when many establishments are required to remain closed. Dominique Anract, president of the National Confederation of Bakery and Pastry, lamented that 12 million French people would be deprived of fresh bread and pastries on this holiday.
As the day concluded, the conflicting figures regarding the number of participants in the demonstrations highlighted the ongoing tensions between labor organizations and government authorities. The CGT's claim of over 300,000 participants contrasts sharply with the official figures provided by the Ministry of the Interior, underscoring the challenges faced by labor movements in France amid rising social and political tensions.
