A man went into cardiac arrest and required CPR when an improvised bomb exploded on the sidelines of a protest against pension reform in Cannes. As part of this mobilization, power outages were also observed in some districts of the city, in the middle of the Film Festival.

In late April the powerful CGT union warned it would go ahead with a power cut in Cannes. However, no problem has been observed at the Festival grounds since its beginning on May 16.

The reform, promoted by President Emmanuel Macron, was ratified on April 14 and became law of the land without being put to a vote in parliament. Despite its ratification, the mobilizations continue, albeit with less intensity and less participation. The reform foresees the increase of the retirement age by two years, from 62 to 64, and opponents consider it “unfair” mainly for women and those employed in heavy and unhealthy occupations.

At today’s demonstration around 160 people took part outside the Cannes train station, according to local authorities. A bystander nearby suffered a cardiac arrest when an improvised device exploded. An AFP journalist reported that he was given CPR by a medical team accompanying police forces. He was then taken “in serious condition” by the fire service. A police source said his condition had improved by early afternoon.

At the same time, there was an interruption in electricity and gas supply in the city. Three men, employees of the distribution companies GRDF and Enedis were arrested on the charge of causing these interruptions.

A police source said the problems have been fixed but it will take some time before gas supply to customers is restored. Local newspaper Nice Matin reported a brief power outage that affected a restaurant and a police station.

In the morning, the management of the energy distribution company Enedis reported that it had prevented a first attempt to cut the power at the Cannes-La Boca station, which supplies electricity to a large part of the city.