French protesters clash with police during nationwide demonstrations
More than 32,000 protesters had taken part in some 140 actions nationwide outside Paris shortly after midday on Saturday.
Paris and other French cities witnessed clashes between demonstrators and police on Saturday during nationwide protests against rising living costs and cuts to public services. Protesters stormed the town hall in Marseille's second-largest city before being removed by police. In Paris, authorities deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse hundreds of masked protesters who set off fireworks.
Offices of French media outlets CNews and Europe 1 had their windows smashed after protesters hurled objects. Metro stations in central Paris were closed due to heavy crowds. The protests, marking the first week of half-term holidays, were organized by the Yellow Vest movement, which previously protested against Macron's government over planned fuel tax hikes.
Nearly 32,000 individuals participated in around 140 actions outside Paris, with over 160 arrests made. Demonstrators in Marseille referred to the 1789 storming of a fortress during the French Revolution. The unrest is putting pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government, with public criticism over the perceived excessive force used by police.
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