Hundreds of thousands march across France over schools and living costs
Briefing by News4U · First published
Protests drew 410,000-800,000 people nationwide; police arrested nearly 1,000 amid clashes in several cities.
Hundreds of thousands marched across France on Saturday to demand more teachers, better school buildings and relief from rising living costs, one week after violent unrest left shops looted and cars burned. Government estimates put turnout at least 400,000, while unions said the figure was double that; Paris saw 110,000-250,000 demonstrators. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Authorities deployed 70,000 police nationwide and restricted the Paris route to the city’s southeastern edge. Clashes broke out after the marches, with police using tear gas, water cannon and stun grenades; nearly 1,000 people were arrested and two were seriously injured. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Sources
- Tens of thousands march in France as protests continue over schools and living costs
CBC World · · Excerpt
- France: Clashes erupt as protests sweep across cities
France 24 English · · Excerpt
- Hundreds of thousands march across France in protests over schools and policing
The Guardian · · Excerpt
- 'The marches went well' – French government on demonstrations a week after looting and violence
France 24 English · · Excerpt
- Photos: Clashes erupt in France during protests over rising living costs
Al Jazeera · · Full text