Thousands on Paris streets to denounce EU 'austerity' pact
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Demonstrators march during a rally with banners and flags to protest against the austerity measures announced by the French government, in Paris on Sunday, Sept 30, 2012. Thousands of left-wing protesters took to the streets of Paris on Sunday to denounce the European Union (EU) fiscal pact forcing governments to stick to tough deficit limits. -- PHOTO: AP
PARIS (AFP) - Thousands of left-wing protesters took to the streets of Paris on Sunday to denounce the European Union (EU) fiscal pact forcing governments to stick to tough deficit limits.
Chanting "Resistance!", protesters marched through central Paris in a rally organisers said was aimed at fighting EU-imposed austerity, not at criticising the government of Socialist President Francois Hollande.
"This day is the day the French people launch a movement against the policy of austerity," one-time presidential contender and Left Front leader Jean-Luc Melenchon said at the march.
Mr Melenchon denied the protest was aimed at Mr Hollande, saying: "This is a left-wing demonstration under a left-wing government."
