The French capital Paris and several French cities witnessed massive protests today, Saturday, against rising living costs and declining purchasing power, about six months before the presidential elections, amid tensions and clashes between protesters and security forces, and acts of vandalism targeting official buildings, shops, and public facilities.
Agence France-Presse quoted protest organizers as saying: "The number of participants reached about 800,000 people," while French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez estimated the number at about 550,000, noting the arrest of about 400 people across the country.
In the capital Paris, tensions erupted at Republic Square between protesters and security forces, which used tear gas and water hoses to disperse unauthorized gatherings and marches, while police arrested 133 people.
The city police stated in a statement that about 100 protesters attacked the headquarters of "C News" television channel, throwing projectiles at its facade, while security forces intervened in several neighborhoods to contain clashes and restore order.
The protests spread to several cities, where protesters briefly stormed the Marseille city hall building, while cities including Limoges, Grenoble, Lyon, and Bordeaux witnessed vandalism, fires, and looting. The Lille city hall building also suffered damage after being stormed by protesters.
These protests come amid escalating social tensions in France due to rising fuel prices and declining purchasing power, recalling the "Yellow Vests" movement that took place in 2018 and 2019 in protest against fuel tax hikes and rising living costs.
In this context, French President Emmanuel Macron called for rejecting violence, emphasizing that "there is no place for violence" in the country, and stressing the need to stand against those he described as "spreading chaos." French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said: "The police faced extremely severe violence."
On another note, trade unions called for organizing protests and strikes on November 5 to demand better wages and public services, as the country witnesses multiple protest movements against the economic and social situation.
Media reports indicated that about 1,500 protest actions were organized across France today, Saturday, coinciding with divergent political stances toward the protests, with some sides expressing support for social demands and others stressing the need to protect security forces and hold those responsible for violence accountable.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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