Tobacconists took to the streets in more than 80 cities to protest government plans to mandate uniform packaging for tobacco products, RFI reported.

Removing branding would cost tobacconists their livelihoods by shifting demand for cigarettes and related tobacco products to other markets, said Bernard Gasq, head of the tobacconists union, as cited by RFI.
Health Minister Marisol Touraine has said plain packaging would be ready for implementation by 20 May, 2016. The Senate will debate the proposal for a second time on 14 Sept, RFI said on its website.