PARIS: Nearly 1,000 people were arrested as hundreds of thousands demonstrated across France on Saturday over rising living costs and poor school conditions, with clashes breaking out in several cities late in the day.
The Interior Ministry estimated that 410,000 people joined the protests, while trade unions put the turnout at about 800,000. Authorities deployed 70,000 police officers to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s widespread looting and destruction.
Police used tear gas and water cannon in Paris, Lyon and other cities, while barricades were set on fire in Marseille and Bordeaux. Two people were seriously injured, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.
The demonstrations come six months before France’s presidential election, with protesters demanding action on economic hardship and deteriorating public services.
