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Nationwide protests started once again in France. Police deployed 70,000 people for security, arrested 135 people and seized many items to prevent a repeat of the riots a week earlier. Many shops and museums in Paris also reacted in advance.
A new wave of nationwide demonstrations broke out in France today against rising inflation. Police stepped up security in major cities and fired tear gas to disperse crowds to prevent a repeat of the riots a week earlier. Police have arrested 135 people and seized many items.
Agence France-Presse reports,Ministry of Interior Mayor Laurent Nunez said police arrested 135 people and seized numerous items during demonstrations across the country today in a bid to prevent a recurrence of street violence.
Various items seized included metal stones, lead bullets, fireworks, slingshots, steel balls, household weapons, a samurai sword and survival game guns.
Nunez said that so far, “there have been no major incidents.”
An AFP reporter saw about 150 protesters in the southeastern city of Lyon once try to block a road near the city center, and police immediately fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. Demonstrations were already banned in the area.
A 21-year-old student protester, requesting anonymity, said: “The police acted immediately… They came to disperse the march before it took shape.”
Elsewhere, authorities and businesses are preparing for the possibility of renewed street violence.
Near the Bastille area of Paris, a clothing store removed all merchandise from its shelves ahead of the protest; A nearby restaurant sealed its doors and windows with boards and put up a sign insisting “business as usual.” Many other retailers in the capital also put up signs in store windows.
Both the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay have announced their closure.
Paris police said in the afternoon that officers had seized “various contraband items”, but described the situation as “calm”.
In Marseille, riot police vehicles, armored vehicles and water cannon trucks were stationed in the city centre, and police in other areas were also on standby to avoid possible clashes.
The French Interior Ministry said a total of 70,000 security personnel were deployed today to deal with the “high” risk of violence.
Summary FAQ
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This demonstration was mainly in protest against rising inflation. People were dissatisfied with the pressure on prices and daily expenses. Therefore, a nationwide crackdown was initiated in many places in France and the government was on high alert.
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Police stepped up security in major cities, using tear gas to disperse crowds, arresting 135 people and seizing metal stones, fireworks, slingshots and other items during nationwide demonstrations.
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Many retailers in Paris have closed their stores and some restaurants have also increased security. The Louvre Museum and the Musée d’Orsay have announced their closure; In Marseille, riot control vehicles and water cannon trucks have been deployed to prevent clashes from spreading.
