France protests: 135 arrested as tear gas fired and unrest erupts nationwide
Heavy security across France
Authorities deployed 70,000 police officers as demonstrations took place across France, seeking to prevent a repeat of the riots and looting reported the previous weekend. More than 100 people were arrested, and police used tear gas in Lyon and Nantes.
In Paris, luxury shops boarded up windows and brought in extra guards. Some tourist attractions and metro stations were closed ahead of the protests.
Turnout estimates diverge
French media reported differing estimates of the number of people marching. The CGT trade union said nearly 800,000 people had mobilised nationwide, according to Le Monde, while the Interior Ministry put the figure at 410,000.
For Paris, the CGT counted 250,000 demonstrators, compared with 110,000 in the ministry’s estimate. In Rennes, 11,500 people demonstrated on Saturday, and protesters reportedly fired fireworks at riot officers.
Clashes and museum closures
Clashes between protesters and police were reported in Marseille near the planned endpoint of a demonstration. The New York Times reported that some people built barricades from metal street barriers and that others threw rocks and bottles at riot police; officers responded with volleys of tear gas.
The Louvre, Orsay and Picasso museums were among the Paris institutions closed as a precaution. The culture ministry called on institutions under its authority to take measures to protect visitors, staff and artworks.
Students seek concrete proposals
The demonstrations began over worsening conditions in schools and broadened amid anger about the cost of living and pressure on public services. Student leaders said they were dissatisfied after talks and called on pupils to keep protesting until the government put forward concrete proposals.
Italian visitor Selena Bertoni said she had expected a possible problem but not the Musée d'Orsay's closure. She had paid €50 for two tickets during a four-day trip to Paris.
Key points
- More than 100 people were arrested, and police fired tear gas in several cities.
- The CGT estimated 800,000 people mobilised nationwide; the Interior Ministry counted 410,000.
- Authorities deployed 70,000 officers and closed some attractions and metro stations.
- Student leaders called for protests to continue pending concrete government proposals.