Clashes in Paris after new French protests

Paris witnessed clashes on Saturday as thousands gathered for protests against the government. Despite a smaller turnout than previous weeks, the demonstrations marked the fourth consecutive weekend of unrest over rising living costs, coinciding with France's upcoming presidential elections in five months. The protests drew a total of 146,000 participants in France, including 46,000 in Paris according to the interior ministry, though unions estimated 250,000 nationwide, with 75,000 in the capital.

Police used tear gas against protesters who threw projectiles and homemade fireworks at security forces, according to an AFP correspondent.

The protests were preceded by a mass union demonstration on Thursday that reportedly gathered 575,000 people according to authorities, 1.6 million according to unions. In Paris, police used tear gas to disperse a group of about 200 violent individuals who attacked officers while arresting a man who had set fire to a trash bin. The Yellow Vests movement, which had previously disrupted Emmanuel Macron's presidency, called for a separate demonstration in central Paris, but authorities banned it. About 100 protesters were arrested, including two key Yellow Vests coordinators.

The movement originated from high school and university students' grievances in late September. Sabine Kharbach, a spokeswoman for the Student Union, emphasized that today was crucial to maintain pressure on the government, as many young people remain dissatisfied with the responses. The police response has been criticized for its heavy-handedness, leading to dozens of internal investigations into allegations of brutality.

Local businesses, particularly around protest routes, faced closures and barricaded windows to avoid potential damage.

The French government faces challenges in finding solutions due to the country's massive debt, which has spooked markets. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu plans to meet with unions and employer representatives on Monday to discuss wages and purchasing power. Student and teacher groups have called for a new strike on Tuesday, asserting they are in a strong position while the government appears weak and starting to yield.

Polls suggest far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is favored to win the 2027 presidential election, with Jean-Luc Melenchon, the hard-left leader, also gaining ground.