French police clash with some protesters again as demonstrations continue
Police said about 70,000 people demonstrated in Paris alone. France's interior ministry said about 320,000 people rallied nationwide.
French police engaged in clashes with some protesters during large-scale demonstrations on Saturday. Thousands of people marched across France, with an estimated 70,000 demonstrating in Paris alone. The interior ministry reported around 320,000 people rallied nationwide. Police made 27 arrests by 2:00 p.m., compared to 217 a week prior.
In Marseille, demonstrators clashed with officers, while in Lyon, people threw projectiles at police, prompting tear gas to be fired. Toulouse police deployed water cannons against an unauthorized protest involving several thousand young demonstrators. In Paris, thousands, some dressed in costumes like Spider-Man and Frankenstein, walked through the city, with a helicopter circling overhead.
Hard-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon joined the march, criticizing the government's authoritarian turn. Camille Guerin, a 31-year-old protester, said they advocated against the cost of living, the far right, and demanded a voice for students. In Nantes, 47-year-old Aurelie Herrmann danced at the protest, emphasizing that demonstrations could be done in good spirits.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez mentioned police had prepared for potential violence akin to previous unrest, anticipating social media calls for Halloween gatherings that aimed to incite a revolution. Some shopkeepers barricaded their businesses as police detected such calls. Business owners expressed concern over potential economic damage.
The protests occurred amid a tense political climate with presidential elections approaching in six months and far-right leader Marine Le Pen leading polls. The demonstrators, comprising activists, trade unions, students, initially focused on rising living costs, inequality, and deteriorating learning conditions. They later demanded enhanced civil liberties and right to protest.
Student protesters protested the police's refusal to authorize a march through Paris' center, planning further school and university blockades. With the economy on the brink of recession, the government had limited scope to appease protesters through additional spending. Youth-led demonstrations were also seen across Europe recently.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
