Named after France’s economy minister, the proposed bill covers a range of measures including loosening Sunday trading and deregulating certain professions.
Teacher Nicolas Mas marched in the capital Paris.
“All the established social rights of our labour laws are being questioned with this bill. We’ve gone back to the 19th century. It’s incredible,” he said, on the subject of the Macron Law.
Demonstrators nationwide also demanded equal pay for women and men and defended the state-supported healthcare system.
Frank Pascaud attended the Paris march on behalf of the Association of the Paralysed People of France. He said:
“The state is giving less and less money to the hospitals and to health care. And now is the time to act.”
The biggest of the 70 trade-union-led protests took place in Paris, with 32,000 people in attendance, according to police. Organisers put the figure much higher, some estimating attendance of around 120,000 people.
One of France’s most iconic landmarks was temporarily closed down as a result of the march.
“The Eiffel Tower will be closed until 6pm and will re-open this evening,” announced union representative Stephane Dieu. “Ninety percent of the staff… voted to go on strike to denounce the government’s austerity policies.”
Marches in Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and other French towns also attracted thousands.
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