Protest marches have been held worldwide to mark International Workers' Day and while some stayed peaceful parades, others escalated into savage clashes and destruction.
At least 5,000 officers wearing riot gear were on duty in Paris on Sunday - with water cannons and armored cars also deployed on the streets of the French capital.
Tensions erupted in Paris, as some demonstrators shattered windows at some banks, a fast-food restaurant, and a real estate agency, evidently partially the work of masked men dressed in black. French police pushed in, firing rounds of tear gas.
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Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said 45 people had been imprisoned so far. Eight police officers were wounded, he stated, calling the perpetrators of the violence 'thugs' who were trying 'to stop the right to demonstrate.'
Tear gas and baton charges were used against a mob close to Place de la Bastille, as banks and a Mcdonald's fast food outlet were bombarded by protesters dressed in black hoods and wearing balaclavas.
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Before the violence exploded, trade unionists and citizens held banners that read 'Retirement at 60, Freeze Prices', 'Retirement Before Arthritis', and 'Macron, Get Out' in retort to the newly re-elected President's plans of boosting the retirement age to 65.
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'The violence appears organized and directed at specific targets,' an eyewitness expressed.
'Guys with black hoods and balaclavas are breaking stuff up while others scream for Macron to resign.'
Today's riots tailed street violence breaking out a week ago when Mr. Macron won a second term by defeating far-Right rival Marine Le Pen in the presidential election. Macron beat Le Pen 58.5 percent to 41.5 percent to win the re-election last Sunday - but Le Pen produced her highest-ever level of approval in her three attempts to become France's leader.
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His win was made official on Wednesday and he is yet to hold a Cabinet meeting before setting a date for his inauguration ceremony, which must be held by May 13. 'The May Day mobilization must be as massive as possible,' declared Philippe Martinez, general secretary of the General Confederation of Labour – France's largest trade union.
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'Beyond the unions, citizens must take to the streets to make sure their social and environmental demands are made loud and clear.'
Marches and meetings were being held across France, including in major cities beyond Paris, such as Marseille, Nantes, and Toulouse. Radical groups due to take part included the Yellow Vests, who were behind regular riots in major cities such as Paris throughout Mr. Macron's first term.
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Anarchists who repeatedly targeted buildings including banks and upmarket shops were also infiltrating the crowds.
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'Some 5000 police and gendarmes are on duty, and they include riot control units,' stated a Paris police source.
'May Day usually attracts crowds of up to 20,000, and this year is not expected to be any different.'
There is particular anger at the spiraling cost of living, and Macron's plans to raise the pension age from 62, up to 65.
Others – including the Yellow Vests – are unhappy with the entire system of government in France, saying that too much power is invested in the president.
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