Hundreds of thousands of people marched across France on Saturday in a fourth consecutive weekend of protests against the rising cost of living. The Ministry of the Interior reported that 146,000 people took part nationwide, including 46,000 in Paris. Trade unions, however, claimed that the total number of demonstrators reached 250,000, with 75,000 in the capital. The demonstrations followed a large rally organized by trade unions earlier in the month that drew an estimated 575,000 participants. About 70,000 security personnel were deployed across the country. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned that authorities were “ready and waiting” for anyone engaging in rioting or looting. In Paris, clashes broke out between police and some protesters. Footage posted online by the CLPRESS news agency shows police charging at demonstrators and using tear gas to disperse crowds. A police officer was seen striking a protester with a baton. According to the AFP, a group of 200 individuals attacked officers while they were arresting a man who had set fire to a rubbish bin in a square. In Lyon, police fired tear gas to disperse several hundred people who had blocked a road during an unauthorized gathering in the city centre. Al Jazeera correspondent Natacha Butler reported that workers from a variety of occupations attended the demonstrations in support of the student‑led movement. “I spoke to one railway worker who told me it was really important to be here today,” Butler said. “He said not only was it important to protest against the cost of living, but that it was also important to support young people.” She added that many workers felt it was “their time to really press the government for higher salaries and better facilities.” The protests began in September over poor conditions and a lack of resources in French high schools and have since expanded to include a broader range of grievances related to worsening living standards. The movement remains led by students, but participants of all ages have joined. The demonstrations come against the backdrop of France’s upcoming presidential election in April. Opinion polls place far‑right candidate Marine Le Pen of the National Rally first, followed by far‑left candidate Jean‑Luc Mélenchon of the France Unbowed party. Mélenchon unveiled his programme on Saturday to a crowd of about 17,000 supporters, pledging to stimulate the economy by capitalising on consumer spending and “through billions [of euros] that already exist,” and to channel those savings toward the country’s ecological and social needs.
Article source: Gabon News | Image credit: Gabon News