Almost 1,000 arrests in protests across France
Police use tear gas and water cannons in cities across France as hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets.
Nearly one thousand arrests were made across France on Saturday as protests erupted in cities over issues of school funding and the rising cost of living, according to the government. Clashes began in Paris and other French cities, with youths in Marseille setting fire to rubbish bins to obstruct traffic and hurling projectiles at security forces.
Police response included tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons, leading to widespread arrests. Over 400,000 people gathered in France in a challenge to President Emmanuel Macron, beginning peacefully a week after previous riots. The Interior Ministry reported 410,000 nationwide participants, with Paris authorities limiting the march to the city's southeast.
In Marseille, violence erupted, with protesters setting fire to rubbish bins and throwing rocks at police. Over a month of unrest, sparked by high school protests for more funding, has tested Macron's authority ahead of the presidential election in May. Police presence, involving 70,000 officers and support from helicopters and armored vehicles, aimed to prevent a repeat of last weekend's looting and shop damage.
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