Police, demonstrators clash as mass cost-of-living demonstrations rock France

Protesters clashed with police in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon on Saturday during nationwide cost-of-living demonstrations. Protesters broke into Marseille's town hall and set fire to a tourism office in Lyon. Police used water cannon and teargas in Paris. More than 32,000 protesters took part in 140 actions nationwide, with over 160 detained. The Yellow Vest movement called for the protests, which pressure President Macron's government ahead of a presidential election. The unrest highlights growing economic discontent and political tensions in France.

Protesters clashed with police in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and other French cities on Saturday during nationwide rallies over high prices, as the country heads toward a presidential election. In Marseille, protesters broke into the town hall before being forced out by police. In Lyon, youths set fire to a tourism office. In Paris, police fired water cannon and teargas after hundreds of protesters confronted them. Thousands of demonstrators marched through Paris, cutting main roads and prompting metro closures. The protests pile pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government after weeks of student demonstrations. More than 32,000 protesters took part in some 140 actions nationwide by midday, with over 160 people detained, according to an interior ministry source. The Yellow Vest movement called for the demonstrations. A survey found 45% of French people are worried about the cost of living and inflation. Purchasing power has dwindled since 2024, and fuel prices have soared since the start of the US-Iran war. Macron called for calm and respect. Far-left and far-right parties have seized upon the unrest.