At least 320,000 people took part in nationwide demonstrations across France on Saturday, as protests over the cost of living and conditions in schools entered their third consecutive weekend, with clashes reported in Paris and Lyon, Al Jazeera reported.
Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds in several cities as mostly young demonstrators joined rallies organised by student groups and labour unions. France’s Interior Ministry said at least 290 people had been arrested nationwide.
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Organisers estimated that nearly 500,000 people had participated in the demonstrations, including around 200,000 in Paris. Authorities put the national turnout at 320,000, with approximately 70,000 people marching in the capital.
The Paris demonstration began peacefully but turned violent near the planned end of the march. Bins and street furniture were set on fire, sending smoke into the air, while riot police used tear gas to disperse protesters.
