Thousands descended on a farm in western France to protest the construction of an irrigation reservoir, setting police vehicles on fire, throwing fireworks, and firing tear gas into the masses.
A protester is in critical condition, and an injured officer has been airlifted from the scene, as French police clash with thousands of individuals opposed to the construction of a large water reservoir.
Several persons were injured during the clashes that occurred in the western rural district of Sainte-Soline.
16 police personnel, according to the local prefecture.
A helicopter evacuated one officer.
As they crossed fields to approach the district’s construction site. Some demonstrators who were throwing fireworks and other projectiles were repelled by tear gas fired by the police.
At least three police vehicles caught fire, according to television footage.
The demonstrators, who have gathered despite a ban on assemblies, oppose the construction of a vast irrigation reservoir.
Minister of the Interior Gerald Darmanin stated that approximately 3,200 police officers were deployed for the demonstration and blamed far-left groups for the violence.
The extensive police presence included helicopters and quad bike-riding officers.
Emmanuelle Dubee, the region’s prefect, projected 1,000 radical protesters among the estimated 6,000.
Last summer’s record-breaking drought in France, which was also felt in the United Kingdom and Europe, intensified the debate over water resources in agriculture.
Artificial reservoirs are a way to use water efficiently when it is required, according to proponents. While opponents argue they are oversized and favor large farms.
Similar demonstrations resulted in injuries last October.
The irrigation project protests follow weeks of French pension reform rallies that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Since the government rushed through the legislation without a final parliamentary vote, the protests have turned violent, with trash burning in the streets of Paris, riot police firing tear gas, and more than 300 arrests.
Sunday’s scheduled start of the King’s state visit to France has been postponed due to the ongoing violence and unrest.
