Clashes in Rennes During Anti-Pension Reform Protests

Police clashed with some of those gathered in Rennes, France, on March 11, as nationwide strikes continued against the government’s proposed pension reform, which was approved by the senate on Saturday evening.

Footage by Ewin Bazin shows police in riot gear firing tear gas, and debris in flames on the street.

In a statement posted to Twitter, the mayor of Rennes, Nathalie Appere, said she strongly condemned the violence which took place. Appere blamed small groups on the margins of the peaceful demonstrations for damaging businesses and attacking police. These people “had nothing to do” with the “social movement,” she said.

According to Le Monde, the senate had 195 votes in favour of pension reform, and 112 votes against. Credit: Ewen Bazin via Storyful