Crisis for MACRON: French POLICE threaten to protest against Macron's government as Yellow Vest demonstrators are joined by the 'blue vests

The French government has sought to soothe police forces demanding improved working conditions by proposing a 300-euro (£270) bonus to officers deployed to the violent protests that started last month.

President Emmanuel Macron committed to the idea of protest duty pay earlier this month. The government's offer came a day after two police unions announced work slowdowns to protest staffing and other budget issues.

Interior minister Christophe Castaner is meeting police union representatives later. It is not clear if the proposed premiums would calm the growing anger in police ranks.

'We are not for sale and we can't be bought. It's certainly not with this bonus that the crisis will be resolved,' said Yves Lefebvre, of the Unite-SG Police FO union.

Instead of a bonus, police unions are asking for the payment of thousands of hours of unpaid overtime that has accumulated over years.

The Alliance union said the government needed to invest in the country's police while urging a work slowdown on Wednesday to protest Mr Macron's planned cuts. Alliance is encouraging officers to stay inside their stations and only to respond to emergency calls.

They promised a 'black day for the police' and their own version of the 'gilets jaunes', the 'gilets bleus' or Blue Vests, according to the Local.


'Police are not doing well and nobody is listening,' Frederic Lagache, of the Alliance union said.

Alliance say that French lawmakers are set to vote on £56 million (62 million euros) in budget cuts this week that 'will once again result in downgraded work conditions,' if approved.

Alliance is encouraging police forces to stay inside their stations on Wednesday and only to respond to emergency calls

The UNSA union threatened on Monday to mimic yellow vests protests and occupy roundabouts if its demands were not met.

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Last Edited by CoronaCoaster on 12/19/2018 08:24 AM