Clashes Erupt Following Nationwide Demonstrations in France

As protests in France over growing living expenses, poor school conditions, and overburdened public services persisted, about 1.10 lakh people marched in Paris on Saturday. According to the sources, police dispersed that throng using water canons and tear gas.

In an effort to avert the recurrence of last weekend’s disturbance, French authorities increase security by deploying over 70,000 Police officers and gendarmes throughout the nation. Police patrols were stepped up, protests were limited in a number of cities. Water canons, helicopters, and armoured vehicles were placed on standby.

Reports of looting, fires, vandalism and attacks on public buildings followed the protests. According to reports, almost 3000 stores and establishments wear looted or damaged. Prior to the protests, Cultural institutions and retail establishments in Paris either closed or increase security.

Recent developments of the France protest

• Although trade unions asserted that the real numbers were more than twice as high, the French Interior Ministry reported that 4,10,000 individuals took part in rallies nationwide. At least 110,000 protesters attended the biggest event, which took place on the southeast of Paris.
• Authorities deployed 70,000 Police officers and gendarmes. It was 10,000 more than the previous week, in an effort to stop future unrest. Over 20 metro stations were closed and a large portion of Central Paris under lockdown.
• After the major rally ended, the mood in Paris drastically worsened. On a chilly, rainy night, riot police had to use water cannons and tear gas to break up a group of 500 young people.
• Young people threw rocks at security personnel and set fire to trash cans to obstruct highways in the second largest city in France. Numerous establishments, including two jewellery stores were pilaged and looted. There have been reports of classes in Lille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lyon, and a number of other towns.
• The Interior Minister accused criminal gangs and far left activities of creating “high-risk groups” in order to intentionally incite violence. He claimed that in Southern cities, far ride activities sought out violent conflicts with leftist organisation.