Police and protesters clash in French cities amid nationwide demonstrations
Hundreds were arrested as police used tear gas in several French cities during protests over high prices, inequality and education issues.
Police reported clashes with demonstrators in multiple French cities on Saturday as protests over rising costs, social inequality and the education system unfolded. The Interior Ministry said 272 people had been detained by mid-afternoon after incidents in Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers.
"Such actions include attempted looting, confrontations with law enforcement, the setting of fires to street furniture and the targeting of seats of power and media outlets," the ministry said, attributing the unrest to what it described as the "ultra-left."
In Paris and Marseille, riot police deployed tear gas. AFP footage showed windows of the CNews and Europe 1 offices in western Paris broken, and several parked cars set alight. In Lyon, the city’s tourism office was set on fire, while in Lille protesters forced entry into the town hall and vandalised the premises before leaving.
President Emmanuel Macron called for "calm and respect," emphasizing that the right to protest must be balanced with respect for people and property. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told France 2 that a "pretty big turnout" was expected, and police estimates suggested up to 200,000 participants nationwide. Authorities banned rallies near the Élysée Palace, the prime minister’s office, the Champs-Élysées and other key sites in Paris, and prohibited a march through the city centre.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned of possible violence, describing the situation as a period of national fatigue marked by wars, inflation and purchasing-power concerns. Far-right leader Jordan Bardella said he expected a "day of chaos for France."
The protests brought together students, trade unionists and remnants of the Yellow Vests movement. The demonstrations follow earlier school-related protests over teacher absences and deteriorating facilities, which have already resulted in injuries to both protesters and police. The internal police watchdog is investigating dozens of alleged cases of police misconduct.