Clashes, fires and looting break out as protesters rally across France

Hundreds of thousands of people marched across France on Saturday to protest against rising living costs and school conditions. The French Interior Ministry reported approximately 550,000 participants nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris. While the Financial Times noted tens of thousands were protesting, the BBC reported that the main march in Paris appeared largely peaceful during the afternoon before clashes broke out later in the day.

Violence, fires, and looting occurred in several cities. In Paris, riot police used water cannons and tear gas on crowds, and groups lit fires in the street and torched vehicles near the Place de la République. In Limoges, a fire in the town hall caused the roof to partly collapse. Looting and vandalism were reported against businesses and city halls, and protesters reached the Champs-Élysées despite a ban on gatherings in sensitive areas.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that sixty law enforcement officers were injured, including two taken to the hospital unconscious. At least 400 people were arrested during the demonstrations. Following the unrest, President Emmanuel Macron pledged to punish those responsible for vandalism and looting, stating there is no place for violence in the Republic.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, BBC World, Ajel English, Financial Times — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.