Tear gas and fires as police clash with protesters; tens of thousands take streets across France

Protests spread across France

Demonstrations took place in cities across France as people protested rising costs and deteriorating public services. The movement began last month at high schools in poor northern suburbs of Paris, where anger over teacher absences and poor facilities widened into a nationwide protest against inequality and weak public spending.

Protesters in high-visibility vests blocked streets, echoing unrest during President Emmanuel Macron’s previous term. In Paris, a 19-year-old protester named Lola said people were protesting fuel prices and living costs, as well as students’ demands for more teachers and decent learning conditions.

Clashes and damage reported

In parts of Paris, police fired tear gas as they retreated from mostly young demonstrators, many wearing black clothing, masks, hoodies and goggles. Shop and restaurant windows were smashed, while cars and bins were set on fire. Riot police were sent to the Les Halles area.

The Interior Ministry reported confrontations with police, looting or attempted looting, and attacks on public buildings. It blamed the unrest on the “ultra-left” and said hooded individuals had carried out targeted violence. In Avignon, people entered the courtyard of the Vaucluse prefecture; the ministry also reported vandalism in Pau, Montpellier, Toulouse and Valence.

Police response draws criticism

Paris police said on X that officers would not back down from rioters and people attacking law enforcement. The force said hostile individuals had targeted officers, who were responding with courage and professionalism. Police were present in central Paris near the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe, both excluded from the official demonstration routes.

Political tensions deepen

The government accused the hard-left France Unbowed party of inflaming the protests, a charge the party denies. Lecornu said on Thursday that officials feared unrest during the demonstrations.

Macron is approaching the final stretch of his presidency, with a polarised electorate and a fragmented political landscape. The Interior Ministry described the protest movement as strongly mobilised by far-left elements, while demonstrators said most people were peaceful and blamed much of the violence on troublemakers.