France protests: More than 400,000 demonstrators against cost of living and clashes with police

More than 400,000 people demonstrated across France against the rising cost of living, with clashes erupting in Paris and other cities. Police used tear gas and water cannons. The Interior Ministry reported 410,000 participants, while a labor union estimated 800,000.

More than 400,000 people took to the streets across France on Saturday evening to protest the rising cost of living. The Interior Ministry reported around 410,000 participants, including 110,000 in Paris, a decrease from last week's 550,000. In contrast, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) union estimated the number at 800,000, with 250,000 in Paris. Clashes broke out between protesters and police in Paris and other cities such as Lyon, Lille, Toulouse, Montpellier, and Nantes. Police used tear gas, water cannons, and batons. Paris police stated that over 500 'rioters' attacked security forces on Cours de Vincennes in the southeast of the capital. Police reported searching over 3,000 people and arresting 65. The article quoted a protester named David telling AFP that police 'started moving toward everyone and ordered them to lie down and retreat, they were throwing people to the ground and hitting protesters.'