In Germany, thousands of police officers are on high alert for possible riots on Labor Day. Out of fear of violence, many businesses, especially in large cities, have boarded up their doors and windows. More than 15,000 people are moving into Berlin, says correspondent Derk Marseille. ‘The weather is wonderful and these kinds of demonstrations even include a beer. You can count on your fingers that in the course of the evening, when night falls, there will be the first riots.”
In Berlin, 6300 police officers are standing by. More than thirty demonstrations were recorded. Supermarkets, shops and banks have barred their windows. According to the German newspaper Bild, police and aid workers will be pelted with bottles, fireworks and stones.
Labor Day in Germany, as in many other countries, is a day off. “In Germany, great importance is attached to International Workers’ Day,” says Marseille. This happens in particular by protesting against big capital, such as banks and international brands.
Blue collar
“Germany has a social democratic chancellor at the helm, Olaf Scholz. And he also says that more attention should be paid to workers, especially teachers, nurses and people who collect waste. Basically all blue-collar professions.’
According to Scholz, no one will have to worry about the existence of their profession for the next ten years. Quite the contrary: there is a shortage of this type of workforce, the Chancellor believes. Companies should therefore offer more training places in this area. “That message reached its audience well.”
Unions have criticized Scholz’s statements, says Marseille. They call it beautiful words spoken on May 1st. German trade unions have been negotiating new collective agreements for some time. For example, the rail unions want a 12% wage increase.
France
There is also fear of major uprisings in France. French unions have called for fresh protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reforms. Authorities expect up to 650,000 participants in more than 300 rallies across the country. 12,000 police officers were summoned
Around 100,000 protesters are expected in Paris alone. Drones are being deployed in the capital and other cities to monitor the situation.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
