Looting, blazes and clashes in France amid nationwide protests
Police and protesters clashed violently in Paris and other French cities on Saturday on the sidelines of nationwide marches against soaring inflation, with one demonstrator’s hand blown off, multiple blazes set, and looters breaking into dozens of stores to strip them bare. With just months to go before the two-round elections in April and May to choose Macron’s successor, the demonstrations…
Violent clashes erupted in Paris and other French cities on Saturday during nationwide protests against soaring inflation. One demonstrator had his hand blown off, and multiple fires were set as looters broke into dozens of stores to steal their contents. The demonstrations, with an estimated 500,000 participants, came as the country prepares for national elections in April and May to choose Macron's successor.
Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse masked protesters who were throwing objects and using fireworks. In Paris, police firing tear gas blocked a crowd of over 300 protesters as they attempted to march up the Champs-Elysees. The protests, which were largely peaceful, also saw clashes in other cities such as Saint-Etienne and Lyon, where demonstrators set ablaze a tourist office and smashed town halls. The main grievance was the high cost of living, which has led to inflation in Europe.
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Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Cars torched, shops looted: Violence protests erupt across France; over 270 arrested timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Protests in France: "Two fires broke out in Place de la République" france24.com
- Buildings and cars set on fire as cost of living protests rock France aljazeera.com
- Clashes and fires break out as protesters rally across France, joining students indianexpress.com
