Arabic version: احتجاجات فرنسية تتصاعد حول التعليم وتكاليف المعيشة

According to ABC News, protesters clashed with police across France during nationwide rallies over education and the cost of living, as the country moves towards a presidential election in April next year. In Paris, police used a water cannon and tear gas after hundreds of mostly masked protesters confronted officers at several locations and some set off fireworks.

Thousands marched through Paris, cutting major roads and prompting authorities to close central metro stations. Authorities had banned protests around government buildings, the Champs-Elysees and train stations. Police detained about 60 people in Paris on Saturday morning, while an interior ministry source told AFP that more than 160 people were detained nationwide.

In Lyon, the tourist office was set on fire, while windows at the Paris offices of broadcasters CNews and Europe 1 were broken by projectiles, French media reported. In Marseille, masked protesters used security barriers to ram the door of the mayor’s offices. Several entered the town hall and one spray-painted an anarchist “A” symbol on an inside wall before police intervened.

The demonstrations have increased pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government after weeks of student protests turned violent. More than 600 demonstrations were planned, organisers said, and more than 32,000 people took part in about 140 actions outside Paris shortly after midday. Protesters cited education resources, police conduct and rising prices. Mr Macron called for “calm and respect”, saying the right to protest went with respect for people and property.