Thousands of demonstrators marchedpeacefully Sunday in Paris to denounce austerity measures in Europe that havesparked violent protests in other EU countries struggling to avert fiscalcrises.
The march, organized largely by the Left Frontparty and the Communists, comes before the French parliament's debate this weekon a European fiscal treaty. Organizers put turnout at more than 80,000; Parispolice declined to provide an estimate.
The protest exposed political pressures facedby President Francois Hollande — whose popularity has been sinking in recentpolls — and notably from some ostensible allies of the left. It was the biggestdemonstration of its kind since Hollande was elected in the spring, just weeksbefore his Socialists won control of the National Assembly.
The treaty would set up the European StabilityMechanism bailout fund that European leaders hope will help calm a debt crisisthat threatens the eurozone and the global economy.
The main conservative opposition party andmost Socialist lawmakers back the treaty. But it has splintered the Frenchleft: Far-left parties, the Greens and some dissident Socialists oppose it. Themeasure is nonetheless likely to pass in parliament because the two biggestparties generally favor it.
On Friday, the French government presented abudget that included high taxes on the wealthiest, but which critics say lacksfundamental reforms that could jumpstart economic growth.
Austerity has fanned recent violence in placeslike Spain and Greece.