Some 800,000 people join nationwide protests across France
Around 800,000 people took to the streets in French cities over the weekend in largely peaceful demonstrations. A student protest over school conditions has grown into a wider outcry over the cost of living.
Some 800,000 people took part in nationwide demonstrations in cities across France over the weekend, and the protests were largely peaceful. Students, railway workers and members of the Yellow Vest movement, a French protest movement over the cost of living, all joined the marches.
How it began
The wave of protests was sparked by about a month of demonstrations by high school students. They were protesting educational inequality and crumbling school facilities.
A broader set of grievances
Over time the movement has expanded into a wider public outcry. Protesters are now voicing anger over the cost of living, public spending and climate inaction. People across France say they have reached their breaking point.
The headline of the France 24 video report describes the protests as having "brought the entire population together for a common purpose". That reflects the mix of groups on the streets at the same time, from schoolchildren and workers to longtime Yellow Vest participants.
The source text does not say how the government has responded to the demonstrations or what further protest action is planned.
