Around Half a Million People Join Cost-of-Living Protests in France
About 550,000 people took part in protests across France on Saturday against the high cost of living and fuel prices, according to the Interior Ministry. Clashes with police broke out in several cities, and 1,200 people were detained.
Roughly 550,000 people took part in protests across France on Saturday against the rising cost of living and high fuel prices, the French Interior Ministry said. In several cities, including the capital Paris and Marseille, the demonstrations turned into clashes with police. The unrest matters because it shows public discontent over living costs and puts pressure on the government.
Clashes and detentions
To disperse protesters, police used water cannon and tear gas. Arson and looting also took place in a number of cities during the protests. Rapid-response police units were deployed in Paris.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Saturday evening that 1,200 people had been detained nationwide and 150 police officers injured. He called it a "miracle" that the number of casualties was not higher. Paris and Marseille were the main flashpoints.
The president's response
French President Emmanuel Macron stressed in a statement that there is no place for violence in France. In a post on the platform X, he said those who disrupted public order, attacked prefectures and businesses, and even looted city halls would be held accountable and punished.
Macron also expressed support, on behalf of the whole nation, for the law enforcement officers who safeguard citizens' right to protest.
