Police use tear gas and water cannons as French protests continue
Clashes broke out in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse during the third consecutive weekend of nationwide demonstrations.
The French government estimated on Saturday that 320,000 people took part in nationwide protests against government policies and rising living costs. Demonstrations entered their third consecutive weekend with clashes reported in several cities.
In Paris, some demonstrators threw an incendiary device and paving stones at security forces, leading officers to fire tear gas, according to AFP. Tensions also flared in Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse, where police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds.
A coalition of student unions and youth organisations estimated the nationwide turnout was nearly 500,000. This figure included 200,000 people in Paris, which is higher than the government estimate of 70,000 for the capital.
The government deployed approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country to manage the protests. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had previously warned of a high risk of public disorder from groups attempting to turn the marches violent.
The movement began as a student-led protest regarding inadequate educational resources, overcrowded classrooms and poor school conditions. It has since expanded to include trade unions and Yellow Vest activists protesting food, housing and fuel costs.