Clashes in Paris after new French protests
Thousands of people protested across France on Saturday in a new show of anger against the government, with clashes erupting between police and some protesters in Paris despite a lower turnout than in previous weeks. The protests marked the fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations against the rising cost of living, which have erupted as the country heads to presidential elections in five…
Across France, thousands of protesters voiced their discontent with the government on Saturday, resulting in clashes between demonstrators and police in Paris. Despite a lower turnout than previous weeks, the protests marked the fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations against the rising cost of living, which have intensified as France prepares for presidential elections in five months.
Approximately 146,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide, with 46,000 in Paris and 75,000 in the capital, according to the interior ministry. Union estimates placed the figure at 250,000 nationwide, with 75,000 in the capital. The protests saw a mass union demonstration on Thursday, which drew 575,000 people, according to authorities, 1.6 million according to unions.
Police utilized tear gas against individuals who threw projectiles and homemade fireworks at security forces in Paris, following an attack by around 200 violent individuals on officers attempting to arrest a man who had set fire to a trash bin. Ban protests, called by the Yellow Vests movement, were met with a large police presence, preventing protesters from approaching key locations.
In Lyon, police used tear gas to disperse about 200 people blocking a road during an unauthorized gathering. Critics of the police response have pointed to allegations of brutality against demonstrators, leading to internal investigations. Local businesses are feeling the impact, with shop manager Jean Emile Moulinier stating that the protests have deterred customers from visiting his store.
The government is facing challenges in finding solutions due to France's massive debt, which has spooked markets. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is set to meet with unions and employer federation representatives on Monday to discuss wages and purchasing power. Student and teacher groups have called for a new strike on Tuesday to maintain pressure on the government for increased education spending, stating they are in a position of strength and the government is weakening.
Polls suggest Marine Le Pen, the far-right candidate, is the frontrunner to win the presidential election in 2027, with Jean-Luc Melenchon, the hard-left leader, currently as the alternative to Macron's centrist allies.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
