French workers stage sit-in in Paris over rising fuel prices, energy costs

Representatives from several professions, including fishermen, farmers, and bakers, staged a sit-in protest on May 2 at Place Vauban in Paris, amid growing concerns over rising energy costs and economic pressure.

The demonstration followed nationwide mobilisations on May 1, with participants citing the impact of higher fuel prices linked to global tensions, including the ongoing conflict in Iran and broader instability in the Middle East, Caliber.Az reports, citing French media. 

The gathering began in the morning, with the official start scheduled for 11:00 a.m. local time and concluding at 2:00 p.m. Organisers emphasised that the event was a static sit-in rather than a march.

According to fishermen’s union representatives, unsuccessful attempts to engage with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs prompted coordination with other affected sectors to join the protest.

Protesters highlighted significant increases in fuel costs, reporting that diesel prices had risen from €1.729 to €2.20 per litre, while SP95 gasoline increased from €1.764 to €2.043 per litre.

Demonstrators argued that rising energy costs are placing severe strain on their industries and called for policy measures, including a windfall tax on large corporations and adjustments to import taxation.

By Sabina Mammadli