Protests against defence reforms

Thousands of civilian workers protested on Saturday against the closure of military bases across France.

Event spokesman Gilles Goulm said: “The military are forced to stay silent but we work for them and we denounce this excessive plan.”

Between 3,000 - 7,000 people took part according to union and police figures.

The government plans to cut 54,000 civil and military staff over the next seven years.

Reforms also include the closure of military basis along the east of the country.

Mr Goulm said that between job losses and military staff taking early retirement the armed forces would lose “precious technical competence”.

Many of those taking part said they had received no specific information from the government since the announcement of the reforms.

Photo: sxc ijsendoorn