Almost 1,000 arrested in France as protesters and police clash in several cities

Police in France have arrested nearly 1,000 people during ongoing nationwide protests over the rising cost of living, fuel prices and problems in the education sector. Most of Saturday’s (24 October) demonstrations were peaceful during the day, but clashes between protesters and police broke out at night in Paris and several other cities.

According to a BBC report, police used tear gas, water cannon and baton charges to bring the situation under control. In Marseille, barricades were set on fire in several places, and tensions also spread to Bordeaux and Lyon.

The Interior Ministry put turnout at about 410,000, while trade unions claimed nearly 800,000 took part. Around 70,000 police officers were deployed across the country to maintain order.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said two people were seriously injured in the clashes. He warned that the number of arrests could rise further as police continue to investigate violence and vandalism.

Protests and clashes were also reported elsewhere in Europe, including Tirana in Albania, Brussels in Belgium and Milan in Italy.

According to the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, more than 2,000 shops and businesses across the country have been damaged. The body estimated the losses at several hundred million euros.

Discontent has been building in France for several weeks over living costs, fuel prices, the tax burden and problems in schools. With the next presidential election approaching, the unrest is also adding pressure on the country’s political establishment.