Politics · India Bureau
France sees 410,000 protesters nationwide as Paris clashes intensify
Demonstrations across France drew an estimated 410,000 participants on Saturday, with the largest gathering in Paris descending into confrontations between protesters and police. Tear gas and water cannons were deployed as the initially peaceful march turned violent toward its conclusion.
LSN India ·
Paris witnessed its most significant protest of the day, with France's interior ministry estimating approximately 110,000 demonstrators participated in a march through the city's southeastern districts. The procession began without incident but deteriorated into clashes as it drew to a close.
Police responded to the escalating tensions with multiple rounds of tear gas and deployed water cannons in an effort to disperse the crowd. Sections of the protesting group hurled projectiles at security forces, prompting the forceful police response.
The Paris demonstrations were part of broader nationwide protests across France on Saturday. The French government's count of 410,000 participants across the country underscores the scale of public mobilization, with demonstrations held in multiple locations beyond the capital.
The incidents mark a sharp contrast to the peaceful beginning of the Paris march, highlighting the volatile nature of large-scale public gatherings in the French capital.