Violence hits streets of Paris

Press, 7 May 1983, Page 10

Violence hits streets of Paris

NZPA Paris French riot police teargassed thousands of screaming students and businessmen in Paris who lobbed stones, rubbish and petrol bombs at them in protests against the Socialist Government’s policies. Dozens of demonstrators and about 50 police were reported injured yesterday and at least one car was set on fire in the clashes, the latest in two weeks of grow-

ing unrest that has presented President Francois Mitterrand with the worst domestic crisis since his victory in May, 1981, ended 23 years of Conservative rule. Mr Mitterrand is visiting China. The most serious violence occurred during a demonstration by an estimated 20,000 small businessmen and artisans protesting the Government’s austerity programme, report witnesses and the police.

The demonstrators overturned rubbish bins, hurled debris at riot squads, and trampled metal police barricades. Some picked up the barricades and charged police lines, yelling and cursing. Television showed many of the demonstrators with bloody faces and limbs. “Mitterrand resign,” the protesters screamed, angered by a severe economic programme that includes higher taxes, a forced loan to the Govern-

ment by most taxpayers, and restricted foreign travel. Mr Mitterrand’s Cabinet, which includes four Communists, unveiled the economic programme in March after the third devaluation of the French franc since Mr Mitterrand assumed office. About 20 or 30 students received minor injuries during a demonstration that drew 8000 participants opposed to a Government pro-

posal to reform the university system. The police arrested about 30 students. Other demonstrations by students and businessmen were held in cities throughout France, including Marseilles, Strasbourg, Nice, Lille, Toulouse, Nancy and Caen. In Bordeaux, about 100 law students invaded the local television station and prevented it from broadcasting the evening news.