Tension and clashes as hundreds of thousands protest again in France
Authorities say 320,000 march on third consecutive weekend of demonstrations over cost of living and state of schools.
Police have fired tear gas at protesters in Paris and Lyon as hundreds of thousands of mostly young people marched across France over the cost of living and the state of the country’s schools.
A coalition of youth organisations and unions representing high school and university students said nearly half a million people took part, including 200,000 in Paris. The authorities put the nationwide turnout at 320,000, including 70,000 in the capital.
Marches in the capital began peacefully, but turned violent as protesters gathered near the point where the main march was due to end on Saturday. Bins and street furniture were set alight, and plumes of smoke could be seen rising over the city.
“You really get a sense with people who have come into the street again and again over the past few weeks that they simply don’t believe the government any more. That trust has gone,” she said.