tensions expected during the final between Nantes and Toulouse

The final of the Coupe de France takes a political turn. Emmanuel Macron should remain in the gallery. The trophy will not be presented on the lawn this year. Decision taken by the Paris police headquarters. The CGT had promised the Head of State a stormy welcome. 30,000 red cards and 10,000 whistles will be handed out to supporters to protest against the postponement of the retirement age. The prefect Laurent Nuñez also announces that the rally planned by the union near the Stade de France is prohibited. “It is scandalous to ban the distribution of leaflets. (…) I simply call on all spectators at the match to arrive with their whistles and their red cards”explains Sophie Binet, general secretary of the CGT.

A cut in the middle of a match

So, on the spot, the situation could be tense. 3,000 police and gendarmes will be mobilized to maintain order. A little everywhere on the territory, the CGT maintains the pressure, as during the meeting between Agen and Nevers, Thursday April 27, when the stadium was plunged into darkness. In Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine) or even in Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis), demonstrations are taking place. In Île-de-France, around fifteen town halls that support pension reform have been deprived of electricity. At 48 hours from May 1, the date on which large rallies are expected, tempers are heating up between the CGT and the government.