French leftists rally in support of Greece ahead of Monday eurozone summit

A woman dressed as Marianne, the symbol of the French republic since the 1789 revolution, is seen during a demonstration against austerity in support of the Greek population in Paris, France, Saturday, June 20, 2015. Europe is scrambling to pick up the pieces after another failed meeting over Greece's bailout which reinforced fears that the country was heading for bankruptcy and euro exit. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu) (The Associated Press)

A man holds up a sign reading "We support Greece #StopAusterity" at the Republique Square during a demonstration against austerity in support of the Greek population in Paris, France, Saturday, June 20, 2015. Europe is scrambling to pick up the pieces after another failed meeting over Greece's bailout which reinforced fears that the country was heading for bankruptcy and euro exit. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu) (The Associated Press)

PARIS – Several thousand leftists have rallied in Paris to "give Greece a chance" two days ahead of a critical summit of eurozone leaders on a bailout.

For Communist Party leader Pierre Laurent, "it's about knowing whether the democratic choice of a people ... is the guiding law or (if it's) the rule of austerity of the financial markets that governs the people."

Greece's new radical leftist government is in a stand-off with international creditors to reach a loan deal to avoid defaulting on debt payments at the end of the month, threatening an exit from the 19-nation eurozone.

Far-left political activist Clementine Autain said that Europe is faced with a "humanitarian emergency" brought on by "neo-liberal political choices" that have failed to reduce Greece's debt.