About 550,000 people join cost-of-living protests across France
Around 550,000 people took part in Saturday's demonstrations in France against the high cost of living and fuel prices, according to the Interior Ministry. Clashes with police in several cities led to 1,200 detentions.
Large protests against rising living costs and high fuel prices took place across France on Saturday. According to the country's Interior Ministry, about 550,000 people took part nationwide. In several cities, demonstrations turned into violent unrest, and the authorities have vowed to hold those responsible to account.
Clashes with police
In Paris, Marseille and other cities, the protests ended in confrontations with police. Officers used water cannon and tear gas to disperse crowds. Arson and looting were reported in several places.
On Saturday evening, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 1,200 people had been detained nationwide and 150 police officers injured. He remarked: "It is a miracle that the number of casualties is not higher." Paris and Marseille were the main flashpoints, and rapid-response police units were deployed in the capital.
The president's response
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that there is no place for violence in France. On the platform X, he said that those who disturbed public order, attacked prefectures and businesses, and even looted city halls would be held accountable and punished.
Macron also voiced support for the law enforcement officers who safeguard citizens' right to protest, saying he did so on behalf of the whole nation.
The main grievances cited were the cost of living and fuel prices; one of the source's introductory lines also mentions discontent over the situation in the education system.
