Clashes erupted between police and protesters across France on Saturday as tens of thousands of people took to the streets to protest rising living costs, soaring fuel prices, deteriorating public services and growing economic inequality.

The demonstrations, among the most turbulent France has witnessed in recent years, spread across major cities, including Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers, with authorities reporting 272 arrests by mid-afternoon, according to the Interior Ministry. Violent incidents involved hooded individuals, while fires and vandalism were reported in several locations.

The nationwide mobilisation reflects mounting frustration over the cost of living, pressure on household budgets and concerns about the quality of public services, particularly education. What began as student-led protests over staff shortages and inadequate school facilities has expanded into a broader movement challenging economic hardship and government policies.

In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse masked demonstrators who threw objects and fireworks at officers near Place de la République. A car and a newspaper kiosk were set on fire, while authorities reported incidents involving property damage elsewhere in the capital.

In Lyon, a fire broke out at a tourist office, while protesters in Marseille damaged shops and a municipal police station. Some demonstrators also briefly entered the lobby of the city hall, according to reports.

The protests have drawn participation from students, trade union members and supporters of the Yellow Vest movement, which emerged in 2018 over fuel taxes and subsequently developed into a wider challenge to economic inequality and government policies.

Demonstrators have voiced anger over rising fuel prices, stagnant purchasing power and concerns that public spending cuts could further undermine essential services. Labour unions have also called for higher wages, better pensions and measures to ease the financial pressure on households.

The unrest comes as President Emmanuel Macron approaches the final months of his presidency, with France facing a fragmented political landscape and mounting pressure over public finances.

Government efforts to rein in public debt and implement spending reductions have added to concerns about the impact of austerity measures on households and public services. The protests are also unfolding ahead of the 2027 presidential election, placing further pressure on political leaders to address voters’ economic grievances.

Macron called for calm and respect for people and property ahead of Saturday’s demonstrations, while authorities deployed a substantial police presence in Paris and other major cities to prevent further violence.

The demonstrations have also intensified scrutiny of police conduct following reports of serious injuries among students during earlier protests.

According to Euronews, French authorities had opened 36 investigations into alleged police violence during the student demonstrations, including cases involving serious and mutilating injuries. The use of certain stun grenades was suspended following an incident in which a teenager reportedly lost a hand after picking one up. 

The latest unrest highlights the challenges facing French authorities as economic grievances, demands for better public services and anger over policing converge in a nationwide protest movement.

While officials have blamed violent incidents on radical groups, the demonstrations also reflect broader public concerns about purchasing power, social inequality and the future of essential public services. The scale of the mobilisation presents another significant challenge for the French government as it seeks to contain unrest and respond to growing demands for economic relief. (ILKHA)