Violence breaks out as hundreds of thousands protest in France

Protests erupted across France on Saturday as approximately 320,000 individuals took to the streets to voice their discontent over the soaring cost of living and declining conditions in schools. Demonstrations commenced peacefully, but tensions escalated in the afternoon, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement in multiple cities.

In Paris, police resorted to deploying tear gas, while fireworks were heard in the capital. Footage captured incidents of incendiary devices being hurled at officers in riot gear, resulting in several being set ablaze. The French Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, cautioned that the rallies posed a "very high risk" of violence, warning of potential looting and rioting.

Numerous shops and businesses fortified their premises, boarding up windows and adopting additional precautions. Authorities imposed curfews and restrictions in several cities, including targeted locations and minors. Due to apprehensions of attacks on public buildings and shop looting, protest routes in Paris and other cities were rerouted away from city centers.

French security forces deployed nearly 70,000 officers and other personnel for the day's demonstrations. The security deployment mirrored the scale of the previous weekend, which largely averted the violence and destruction witnessed during protests on October 17. Youth-led demonstrations had been ongoing for weeks, primarily protesting inadequate resources in schools, and subsequently, other groups joined, chiefly over the high cost of living.