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Protests broke out across the country in France over demands for cost of living, fuel prices and education reform. Violent clashes in Paris, Lyon and elsewhere soon escalated into violent conflict. Police arrested more than 400 people and the political arena also became more confrontational due to the unrest.
Protests across France have erupted into violent clashes in several major cities. Protesters set fires, looted businesses and vandalized government agencies and police stations. Police have used tear gas and water cannons to suppress them. As of this evening, more than 400 people have been arrested across France.
Mass demonstrations took place across France today, with protests spreading to major cities including Paris and Lyon.
The nationwide demonstration, initiated by labor unions and civil groups to protest the rising cost of living and the continued rise in fuel prices, and student protesters demanding education system reform, enrichment of tuition funding and equipment and other issues, gathered in a massive parade, according to reports from Agence France-Presse, Euronews and the European edition of political news website Politico.
The French General Trade Union (CGT) reported that around 800,000 people took to the streets today and 1,750 rallies were held across the country. French officials said an estimated 550,000 people participated in the demonstrations.
However, the originally peaceful demonstrations soon spiraled out of control and turned into violent acts in several cities after some protesters clashed physically with police.
There was a fierce clash between protesters and police in the Place de la Republic area of Paris. At the same time, more than 300 protesters tried to force their way onto the Avenue des Champs Elysees, which is home to many boutique flagship stores. Riot police released tear gas to block the way. The protesters raised slogans against the police and clashed with law enforcement officials.
Reports said that apart from Paris, public institutions and municipal offices in several major cities were also vandalized and set on fire by protesters.
In Lyon, protesters set fire to the tourist services center in the city centre, and the office of the Tourism Development Bureau on Place Bellecour was also set on fire and collapsed in a sea of flames. The youth protesting at the spot pelted stones at the police and burst fireworks.
In Marseille, protesters broke down the door of city hall and forced their way inside. A local police station was damaged, and many shops in the city were broken into and vandalized, including upscale boutiques. In Lille, protesters forced their way into the city hall and created a ruckus. Several businesses were also damaged and looted in the southern city of Nice.
Following attacks, vandalism and looting that took place at various locations, French police used tear gas, high-pressure water cannon and other powerful means to suppress them.
Law enforcement agencies subsequently began making mass arrests, reports said. As of tonight, more than 400 people had been arrested across France.
In response to this nationwide riot, French President Emmanuel Macron posted on social platforms
He emphasized that we will fight unitedly against those spreading anarchy who fear anarchy in the world. These people only want to overthrow the system and prevent people from expressing their demands peacefully.
It has been said in the report that this turmoil will also affect the presidential elections to be held next year. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu posted a message on Twitter to support the police, strongly condemned the violent rioters, and accused far-left groups of planning violent actions.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen supported the police and posted
