Cubans mark May Day amid rising humanitarian crisis

People are gathering in cities worldwide to mark International Workers' Day, taking to the streets to demand higher wages and better working conditions. Long observed as a public holiday led by unions advocating for workers’ rights, May 1 has seen large demonstrations this year. In Istanbul, tensions have escalated, with police using tear gas and arresting around 400 people. In Paris, protests are also getting underway this afternoon, beginning at Place de la République, reflecting the country’s strong tradition of union-led demonstrations. Meanwhile, in Havana, a large march has gathered in front of the US embassy, signaling defiance against sanctions imposed by Donald Trump, as Cubans continue to face the effects of an oil blockade introduced earlier this year. France24 correspondent Ed Augustin reports from Havana.

May 1, 2026 - 21:00
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Cubans mark May Day amid rising humanitarian crisis
People are gathering in cities worldwide to mark International Workers' Day, taking to the streets to demand higher wages and better working conditions. Long observed as a public holiday led by unions advocating for workers’ rights, May 1 has seen large demonstrations this year. In Istanbul, tensions have escalated, with police using tear gas and arresting around 400 people. In Paris, protests are also getting underway this afternoon, beginning at Place de la République, reflecting the country’s strong tradition of union-led demonstrations. Meanwhile, in Havana, a large march has gathered in front of the US embassy, signaling defiance against sanctions imposed by Donald Trump, as Cubans continue to face the effects of an oil blockade introduced earlier this year. France24 correspondent Ed Augustin reports from Havana.

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