Large demonstrations took place across France on Saturday, drawing tens of thousands of people protesting rising prices for goods, fuel and food. In several locations, protesters clashed with police.
In the capital, Paris, scuffles broke out between groups of protesters and police. Officers used tear gas to push back demonstrators wearing hoods and masks. A large contingent of riot police was deployed at Place de la République in the northeast of the city center and on nearby streets. According to reports, dozens of people were arrested during the day.
In the southern port city of Marseille, local media reported that protesters entered the city hall and ransacked shops in the commercial district. In Lyon, reports said the city's tourist office was set on fire.
According to the French Interior Ministry, 140 protests had been recorded nationwide by midday, with 32,800 participants. The ministry said a total of 166 people had been arrested across the country by that point.
Saturday's marches followed weeks of protests by French high school students, who took to the streets over poor facilities at their schools. Some students taking part in these protests were reportedly seriously injured at the hands of police, including a 15-year-old girl who lost a hand.
Alongside the clashes at some protest sites, Saturday also saw widespread peaceful marches involving trade unions, teachers and ordinary citizens.
France's "yellow vest" protesters — the movement that took to the streets nationwide in 2018 against the cost of living — had also signaled they would join this round of demonstrations.
Ahead of the marches, President Emmanuel Macron called for calm on Friday. Speaking in Brussels, he said: "There is a constitutional right to protest and to express one's views. But that right comes with a requirement for respect. Respect for people, respect for property, and therefore a commitment not to insult or destroy."
