France’s interior ministry reported “a growing number of violent incidents” across the country, including assaults on police officers, looting and damage to public buildings. Several people were injured in clashes.
More than 270 people were arrested across France on Saturday as protests over rising living costs turned violent. In Lyon, France’s third-largest city, a fire broke out inside a tourist office as around 20,000 people joined the march.
Videos from Paris showed protesters climbing a statue to unfurl an anti-police banner, burnt-out vehicles near a major protest square and officers charging demonstrators with batons as the “yellow vest” movement returned to the streets. France’s interior ministry reported “a growing number of violent incidents” across the country, including assaults on police officers, looting and damage to public buildings. Thick black smoke rose from torched cars, bicycles and other vehicles, while rubbish bins and a kiosk were on fire, according to reports by The Associated Press.
Cars were set ablaze, shops looted, and police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Several people were injured in clashes. A video from Place de la République showed protesters climbing the enormous statue at the centre of the square and unfurling a banner accusing police of injuring high school students. The square is one of France’s most famous protest sites and has hosted demonstrations for generations. Several shops were also looted. Footage from the Opéra district showed police charging a procession of several hundred people with batons and tear gas to break it up. At Place de la République, officers used tear gas and water cannons against masked and hooded protesters throwing fireworks, paving stones and other objects. Police also tried to prevent smaller groups from converging on government buildings. Several metro stations were closed at police request, including those near the Champs-Elysées, the presidential palace, parliament and government offices. Smoke and flames were seen rising from the building.