Tens of thousands of people protested across France on Saturday against a clampdown on immigrants, launching a week of action over policies on which President Nicolas Sarkozy has staked his political reputation.
Demonstrators waved flags and placards and chanted slogans such as "Stop repression" and "No to Sarkozy's inhumane policies." Bands and drums made the atmosphere friendly rather than combative.
Critics see the expulsions of Roma gypsies as part of a drive by Sarkozy to revive his popu-larity before 2012 elections and to divert attention from painful pension reforms and spending cuts.
The president, who says the security measures are needed to combat crime, faces a bigger test tomorrow when workers are expected to hold a nationwide strike to protest pension reforms.
"This weekend's demonstrations will be a first indicator of the country's mood during this turbulent return to work for politicians," the left-leaning Liberation newspaper said.
CGT union leader Bernard Thibault told journalists at the main rally in Paris that "Defending freedom and the principles of democracy and defending social rights go hand in hand. And in general, when freedom decreases, social rights decrease too."
Reuters
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