France protests spread as hundreds arrested; protesters briefly storm city hall lobby in Marseille
Arrests and clashes across France
The Interior Ministry said 272 people had been arrested by mid-afternoon following violent incidents in Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers. It cited attempted looting, clashes with police, fires and attacks on institutions and media outlets.
Tens of thousands of people joined demonstrations against rising costs and declining public services. In Paris, police in riot gear used tear gas and water cannons as some protesters threw bricks and stones.
Fires and damage reported
In Lyon, masked protesters smashed windows at a tourism office and set the building on fire. Local police said people were preventing firefighters from safely tackling the blaze.
In Paris, a car and a newspaper kiosk were set alight at Place de la République. In Marseille, shops and a municipal police station were damaged, and protesters briefly entered the City Hall lobby.
Protests grew from student concerns
The demonstrations began last month at high schools in poor northern suburbs of Paris. Anger over teacher absences and shabby facilities expanded into protests against inequality, weak public spending and falling standards.
President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm as police deployed tear gas and riot gear. A large demonstration in Paris began at 2pm, while police reported confrontations with groups they described as violent.
Key points
- The Interior Ministry reported 272 arrests by mid-afternoon.
- Police used tear gas and water cannons during clashes in Paris.
- A tourism office in Lyon was set on fire.
- Protests grew from high school concerns into a nationwide movement.