France has been rocked by widespread protests and strikes, with demonstrations turning violent in Paris and several other cities across the country.
According to figures released by French trade unions, approximately 1.6 million people took part in the nationwide demonstrations. Organisers estimated that around 350,000 protesters took to the streets of Paris alone.
However, the French Interior Ministry reported significantly lower figures, estimating that approximately 600,000 people had participated in demonstrations nationwide by 5 p.m.
The nationwide protests and strikes were organised by five trade unions, bringing together public- and private-sector employees, university students, high school pupils and supporters of the Yellow Vests movement.
Protesters are expressing anger over the rising cost of living, insufficient wages, working conditions and education.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Interior Ministry had reported approximately 270,000 participants at 180 demonstrations across the country, excluding the capital. The numbers increased considerably in the following hours as protests spread to dozens of French cities.
The most serious clashes were reported in Lyon and Rennes, where demonstrations escalated into confrontations between protesters and police.
In Lyon, a vehicle was set on fire, while groups of individuals clashed with security forces. Similar incidents were reported in Rennes, where several masked individuals confronted police officers.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that approximately 70,000 police officers had been deployed nationwide, warning that authorities would respond firmly to any acts of violence.
The strikes have also caused significant disruptions to public transport, schools and hospitals. The Eiffel Tower and several exhibition spaces at the Louvre Museum in Paris were closed to visitors.
According to the Education Ministry, approximately 16 percent of teachers joined the strike.
The French government has attempted to ease public discontent through several measures, including the release of 10 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves in an effort to bring down fuel prices.
Despite these efforts, dissatisfaction has continued to grow. The Yellow Vests movement, which shook France with mass demonstrations several years ago over rising living costs, has called for further road blockades and protests in the coming days.
