Tear gas, clashes hit French cities in cost-of-living protests

French police deployed tear gas and engaged in confrontations with demonstrators across several cities on Saturday, as intense protests related to living expenses and public services drew thousands onto the streets. Authorities recorded 140 protests involving 32,800 participants outside Paris by midday, attributing the unrest to the "ultra-left."

The protests originated last month at Paris' impoverished northern suburbs, where dissatisfaction over teacher shortages and subpar facilities had expanded into a broader movement addressing inequality, public spending, and living standards. In Marseille, vandalism occurred at the town hall, prompting additional police deployment, as reported by the Interior Ministry.

A substantial police presence was visible in central Paris, particularly near landmarks like the Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe, which were excluded from two authorized demonstrations' routes. Protesters in high-visibility vests obstructed streets, reminiscent of the Yellow Vest movement that dominated President Emmanuel Macron's previous tenure.

In Marseille, the mayor announced the town hall had been vandalized and that more police would be dispatched, following consultations with the prime minister and interior minister. A protester in Paris, identified as Lola, expressed frustration, stating, "We're protesting because the cost of living is too high, fuel prices are exorbitant, and students across the country are being brutally assaulted for merely exercising their right to protest and demand better teacher numbers and adequate learning conditions."

Approximately 100 individuals marched towards the commencement of the protests, chanting, "All cops are bastards," according to a Reuters witness. President Macron, who had previously called for restraint on Friday, now faces his final term amid a fragmented political climate and mounting economic scrutiny. France's attempts to minimize public debt have failed to appease investors, elevating government borrowing costs to their highest in over two decades.

Police tactics have come under scrutiny following injuries sustained by demonstrators, including a teenager who lost a hand after handling a stun grenade. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu reported over 900 injured officers, and the police watchdog is examining at least two dozen claims of police violence. France temporarily halted the use of stun grenades during student demonstrations, but Interior Minister Laurent Nunez indicated their potential utilization on Saturday.

Social media calls urging veterans from prior protest movements to join the demonstrations have broadened participation, hinting at larger-scale involvement. The Yellow Vest movement emerged in 2018 against diesel taxes, subsequently evolving into a broader protest against living costs and inequality, before waning after Macron's announcement of billions in tax cuts.

Yannick Maillou, a teacher from La Crèche in western France who participated in the Yellow Vest movement, mentioned that various gathering points had been established locally for Saturday's protests, with labor unions also encouraging involvement.