The Parisian police have recently enforced a prohibition on gatherings within certain locations near significant governmental establishments, as a means to quell the demonstrations opposing France's proposed increase of the retirement age by two years without proper voting procedures, Fox News reports.
"Due to serious risks of disturbances to public order and security … any gathering at Place de la Concorde and its surroundings as well as in the area of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées is prohibited," the police announced, per an AFP report. "People who try to gather there will be systematically evicted by the police."
French President Emmanuel Macron is utilizing Article 49.3 of the constitution to implement new legislation that would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, without a parliamentary vote.
This move has been met with widespread opposition and has resulted in protests across the nation, including in cities such as Bordeaux and Marseille.
The public outcry reflects a strong desire for the issue to be put to a vote, indicating that Macron may not have the necessary support to pass the legislation through traditional channels.
Despite the ban on protests in Paris, demonstrators continued to gather on Saturday, congregating in the shopping district of Les Halles in the city center, as reported by Politico.
A recent poll conducted by Toluna Harris Interactive for RTL radio revealed that over 80% of the population is dissatisfied with the government's decision to forgo a parliamentary vote, and 65% of respondents expressed support for ongoing strikes and protests.
Although the street demonstrations have been largely peaceful, clashes between protesters and police erupted on Friday night, resulting in the arrest of 61 individuals after a fire was started near the national assembly.
In the midst of the confrontation, protesters chanted "Macron, Resign!" while facing off against a line of riot police.
In recent days, law enforcement agencies across the country have made over 300 arrests, with the bulk of them, 258 to be precise, taking place in the vicinity of the national assembly.
This crackdown comes as a response to ongoing protests led by a diverse coalition of France's leading labor unions, who are determined to compel the government to reconsider its recent policy changes.
Despite the arrests, the unions remain committed to their cause and plan to press ahead with their efforts.
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