Widespread clashes, arson and looting marred nationwide demonstrations across France on Saturday as hundreds of thousands marched against rising living costs and underfunded public services.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that over 550,000 people joined 110 rallies across the country though organizers placed turnout at 800,000. Around 400 people were arrested as radical far-left groups and opportunists clashed with police, vandalized public buildings and looted businesses.
In Paris the police deployed tear gas and water cannons against masked demonstrators throwing projectiles at Place de la République. Burning vehicles, newspaper kiosks and trash bins sent thick smoke over the capital. Violence was also reported in major cities including Lyon, Marseille and Limoges the city hall was set on fire.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence on X, declaring that offenders would be prosecuted and punished, emphasizing that violence has no place in the Republic.
The protests backed by the CGT labor union and student groups, marked a revival of the "yellow vest" movement. Demonstrators expressed deep anger over soaring gasoline, energy and food prices, demanding higher wages and better support for public services.
Scrutiny over police tactics intensified after a young protester lost a hand during clashes in Saint-Etienne also prompting a official investigation into the incident.
