Issued on: 01/05/2026 - 14:36

People are gathering in cities around the world to mark International Workers' Day, taking to the streets to demand higher wages and better working conditions. May 1 has long been a public holiday driven by unions advocating for workers’ rights. In Istanbul, tensions have been high, with police using tear gas and arresting around 200 people during protests held under the slogan “Bread, Peace, Freedom.” Economist at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs, Rémi Bourgeot, shares his insights on the debate around May Day in France.

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