Protests and wage demands: this is how May 1 was lived in the world

The day of May Day was characterized today in various countries by a mixture of purely labor demands, such as the demand for wage increases and greater job stability, with issues of a more political nature as several of them were on the eve of elections.

France, a day marked by the pension reform

The controversial reform of pensions and the retirement age, recently promulgated by the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, marked the demonstrations on May 1 that took place today in this country and which were not exempt from incidents and clashes between violent elements and the security forces, especially in cities like Paris, Lyon, Nantes, Toulouse or Besançon.

Italy, a council of ministers in the middle of a festive day

The Italian Prime Minister, the far-right Giorgia Meloni held a Council of Ministers today in which a decree on labor matters was approved that does not convince the unions as it is “temporary” and does not tackle precariousness.

The three main unions in the country held the traditional unitary demonstration on May Day in Potenza, in the impoverished south of Italy, and warned that “the government’s measures are not going in the requested direction.”

Spain, the unions with their sights set on the elections

The need for a salary increase and the reduction of the working day were the focus of the demands of the nearly 70 demonstrations that took place throughout Spain, a date marked this year by the proximity of the municipal and regional elections, on the 28th.

Union representatives and politicians participated in the main marches to issue an ultimatum to business employers that leads them to reach a wage agreement as soon as possible, in a context of inflationary crisis and rising prices.

Russia, calls for anti-fascist solidarity

In Russia, immersed in the middle of the war in Ukraine, the May Day events put aside any economic demands and focused on political rhetoric.

In this sense, the Russian Communist Party advocated anti-fascist solidarity and the alliance of this country with China, India and Iran.

This year, Russia has significantly reduced the traditional celebrations on the occasion of Labor Day, due to the “high” terrorist risk from its military campaign in Ukraine.

China: Xi calls for protection of workers’ rights

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to workers asking them to “cultivate a work ethic” while urging “governments at all levels” and the ruling Communist Party “to protect the rights and legitimate interests of workers, to solve their problems and to promote an environment in which they are treated with respect”, reported the official Xinhua news agency.

Germany, concern about lack of skilled labor

The German Chancellor, the Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, today called on German companies to offer more training positions in the face of the lack of skilled labor in Germany.

At a German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) rally in Koblenz, southern Germany, on Labor Day, Scholz noted that “some are already talking about the shortage of workers as the big problem of the future,” while He assured those who are concerned that there are “recipes.”

Greece, protests while polls give majority to government party

Tens of thousands of people have demonstrated throughout Greece to demand labor improvements on the occasion of May 1, an appointment that takes place less than three weeks before a general election in which polls predict a new victory for the conservative New Democracy party. .

Türkiye, arrests in the center of Istanbul

Some forty people were arrested in Istanbul when they were marching towards the central Taksim Square, a traditional place for gatherings of unions and leftist movements, until the Government vetoed the use of this square for this type of event in 2013.

In Istanbul, the unions have met in the Maltepe seaside park, on the Asian side, a venue that can accommodate hundreds of thousands of people.

The rains and the lack of gasoline cancel May 1 in Cuba

The May Day events in Cuba were postponed until the next day 5 due to the heavy rains that hit the western region of the island on Sunday. Likewise, the traditional parade in the Plaza de la Revolución in Havana was suspended due to the fuel crisis that has been affecting the country for several weeks.

Source: EFE