"This May 1, 2020 is unlike any other," said the head of state in a video posted on social networks, ensuring that the French will find "May 1 happy" despite the cancellation this year of traditional manifestations due to the coronavirus crisis. "Today, no gathering in our cities to celebrate, as we have been doing for so many years, International Workers' Day," he adds.
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"A thought for the workers of our country".
He indicates "to have a thought for this day for the trade union organizations which cannot hold the traditional parades, to have a thought for the workers, the workers of our country".
Labor Day demonstrations and rallies were canceled this week as part of containment measures to deal with the pandemic. "And yet, the spirit of May 1st, this spirit of solidarity between workers, has perhaps never been as powerful, as alive. Because it is thanks to the work, celebrated today, that the Nation "says Emmanuel Macron.
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"We will find them, these happy May 1st!"
In his video message, Emmanuel Macron underlines that it is thanks to "the work, the dedication of our caregivers, civil protection personnel, the police, the Armies, that we save so many lives every day". "It is thanks to the commitment and the work of our farmers, our civil servants, employees and the self-employed that life goes on despite everything and that others can also work remotely," he adds, also welcoming the commitment of "volunteers" and "so many others".
This May 1 is unlike any other. And yet, it is thanks to the work, celebrated this day, that the Nation keeps. # FranceUniepic.twitter.com / JbKKqCQ4Ta
- Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 1, 2020"Deprived of the rituals of this day, we experience today all the value, all the meaning. With this strong desire: to find as soon as possible the happy May 1, sometimes bickers, who make our Nation", adds the president. "My dear compatriots, we will find them, these happy May 1st!"
Pan concerts, collective songs, demonstrations online and protest signs: the unions, left disappointed in a meeting by videoconference with Edouard Philippe on the modalities of deconfinement, planned to celebrate the international workers' day on social networks and since balconies.