The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-03-19

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] After Collective Actions Student Ultimatum

By Athina Saloustrou

Students and employees gave a 48-hour ultimatum to the De Villepin Government to repeal the law on youth employment, an ultimatum also supported by the Opposition. However, although the Government claimed to be open to dialogue, it stressed it would not repeal the First Employment Contract. Some two million students and employees took to the streets of 160 French cities on Saturday, 500,000 people in the French capital alone, but the collective actions were marred by violent incidents, which lasted overnight, in Paris, Lille, Bordeaux and Grenoble. The French capital resembled a battlefield, while violent incidents also occurred at the Nation Square and outside the historic University of Sorbonne in Cartier Latin, where some 500 students held a sitting protest on Saint Michel Avenue. The same people tried to go near the university facilities a while later but were driven back by the Police. Hundreds of youth used rocks and Molotov cocktails to attack cars, stores and buildings, as well as special Police forces, which answered back with teargases. Twenty-four people, including 7 policemen, were injured during clashes, while 166 people were arrested.

The Cartier Latin quarter was blocked off by strong police forces until the early morning hours, as hundreds of youth launched rocks and bottles against policemen, who had barricaded themselves in the Sorbonne University yard.

Despite the collective actions, the French Government stressed it would not repeal the law on the First Employment Contract, although it is open to dialogue. Speaking on French television, Socialist Party leader Francois Holland asked for the withdrawal of the controversial law before holding any form of talks with the Government.

The latest developments have had a political impact on French Prime Minister Dominique De Villepin, whose popularity dropped from 43% two weeks ago to 37%.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Riots erupt after French protests

[02] Delicate Balance Polling Stations Opened in Belarus

By Athina Saloustrou

Some 7 million citizens are casting their votes in Belarus to elect the new President. The most probable winner is current President and 12 years in power Alexander Lukashenko. In fact, according to two exit polls two hours after the polling stations opened, Lukashenko is already having a 82.9% lead. The Opposition, mainly represented by Alexander Milinkevic who has promised reforms, urged the people to take to the streets after the polling stations will have closed. Lukashenko, who enjoys the support of Russia, has banned all forms of protest, as well as the entry of several European observers in Belarus, since there are fears of incidents. The Opposition, however, stressed it would take the matter to court in case of rigging. Lukashenko is trying to "demonise" his opponents, accusing them of being bribed by the West to cause a stir, and stressed he would "break the neck" of anyone trying to disturb public order. The KGB announced that any riots would be handled as "terrorist acts."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Poll mistrust clouds Belarus vote

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