Nationwide protests in France see evening clashes despite massive police
About 110,000 people marched in Paris. Some clashes broke out even though 70,000 police were deployed.
Hundreds of thousands marched across France on Saturday, with about 110,000 in Paris. Organizers had to change the location at the last minute.
By evening, some clashes broke out in Paris and Marseille. Police used tear gas and water cannons.
The government sent as many as 70,000 police and gendarmes. Elite military troops also helped.
They brought armored vehicles, helicopters and drones. It was the largest security operation yet.
Some masked people put up barricades and clashed with police in multiple cities. The protests began as student-led demonstrations against education policy.
They have grown into wider unrest.
- 110,000
- Paris marchers
- 70,000 police and gendarmes
- Security deployed nationally
- 410,000 to 800,000
- France-wide turnout estimates
- 11,000 to 26,000
- Orléans march size
Why it mattersFrance's government faces mounting pressure to restore public order. Civil unrest is widening. Economic risks are growing.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but prolonged unrest in a major European economy could ripple through global trade and market confidence.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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