Thousands march in French cities to demand action against climate change

PARIS: Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in France´s main cities on Saturday to demand action against climate change and to show support for former environment minister Nicolas Hulot who quit in frustration over the government´s approach.

Police said as many as 18,500 protesters took the streets in Paris joining a global campaign dubbed "Rise for climate" and a French one launched in support to Hulot who quit on Aug 28. Non-governmental organisations estimated turnout at as many as 50,000. Hulot said he felt lonely at the ministry.

"Who would be efficient on his own? Where are my troops? Who is behind me?," he said in a radio interview in which he announced his resignation.

Thousands also marched in cities including Marseilles, Strasbourg and Toulouse.

The departure of Hulot, who was one of the most popular ministers, was a blow to President Emmanuel Macron, whose popularity has slid in recent weeks after a post-election honeymoon period.

Hulot´s inclusion in the cabinet in mid-2017 was seen as a way to sustain the green image France had earned 18 months earlier by brokering the Paris Agreement to combat greenhouse gas emissions.

Macron, however, has watered down Hulot´s initiatives on issues such as reducing reliance on nuclear energy and the banning of the weed killer glyphosate.