Violence in Paris overnight, following largely peaceful protests across France / Authorities estimated 410,000 participants, unions – double

Hundreds of thousands of people protested across France on Saturday against the rising cost of living and inequality, while the largely peaceful demonstrations degenerated into clashes with law enforcement in Paris, Marseille and other cities in the evening. The Interior Ministry estimated nationwide turnout at 410,000 people, while trade unions claimed the actual figure was twice as high.

In Paris, at least 110,000 people attended the main rally. After it ended, police used tear gas and water cannon against a group of approximately 500 masked youths. In Marseille, protesters set fire to rubbish bins and threw stones and bottles, while several shops, including two jewelry stores, were looted. Violence was also reported in Lyon, Bordeaux, Grenoble, Lille, Nantes and Toulouse.

The authorities deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes, 10,000 more than the previous weekend, when France was affected by looting and acts of vandalism. In central Paris, shops boarded up their windows, several cultural institutions were closed, and more than 20 metro stations were out of service.

The protests began last month with student demonstrations and expanded into opposition to the government’s economic policies. The movement inspired protests in Belgium, Italy and Albania as well. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon said the demonstrations would continue until President Emmanuel Macron responded to social grievances.