Protesters clash with police during nationwide demonstrations in France

What the report says

Thousands of people protested across France on Saturday in demonstrations focused on the rising cost of living, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on AFP and AP. The unrest included clashes with police in several cities, with the most visible confrontations in Paris, where officers used tear gas to push back protesters near Place de la Republique. The Interior Ministry said by midday it had counted 140 protest actions nationwide and 32,800 participants, while 166 arrests had been made across the country.

Al Jazeera reported that the protests spread beyond the capital to cities including Marseille and Lyon. Local media said protesters entered Marseille’s town hall and looted shops in the commercial district, while in Lyon the tourism office was set ablaze. At the same time, the article noted that many demonstrations remained peaceful, with unions, teachers and ordinary residents taking part.

The protests come after weeks of student rallies over school conditions, and the report said some students have described serious injuries during earlier clashes with police. It also said supporters of the 2018 “yellow vest” movement had indicated they would join the new wave of demonstrations. President Emmanuel Macron called for calm before the protests, stressing the right to demonstrate while urging respect for people and property. The unrest highlights continuing public anger over inflation and broader social tensions in France.