A union chief said that a “show of force” was necessary to secure more funding Hundreds of firefighters have taken to the streets in the French city of Lille, protesting low pay and grueling work conditions. Police attempting to hold them back were punched, kicked, and hosed down with fire extinguishers. Around 600 firefighters took part in Thursday’s demonstration, French media reported. After assembling at a fire station in Lille, they marched to the headquarters of the Departmental Fire and