In brief
Late Saturday, France saw nearly 1,000 arrests after protests in cities like Paris, Marseille and Lyon escalated. Tear gas, water cannon and elite riot police units were deployed to disperse crowds. While the protests began peacefully, clashes erupted, raising fears of broader civil unrest. The incidents come ahead of France’s presidential elections, with the opposition demanding new government action.
What happened?
The latest wave of protests in France ended with almost 1,000 arrests after clashes in key cities. Police used tear gas and water cannon in Paris, and a top counter‑terrorism unit was called in when tensions flared near Porte de Vincennes.
Around 70,000 officers were on the ground, with curfews imposed in Paris and other major towns to prevent a repeat of last week’s chaos, which saw 2,500 arrests and 2,000 shops damaged.
Causes include the cost of living, bad school conditions and frustration with President Macron’s policies. Protesters demanded sharper government action and raised questions about fiscal fairness.
