French police clash with protesters as tens of thousands rally over cost of living
TLT•Tens of thousands protested in France over rising costs and declining public services, with clashes reported in several cities and 272 arrests by mid-afternoon. France's efforts to reduce public debt have failed to reassure investors, and government borrowing costs have reached their highest levels in more than two decades.
1. Clashes across France
Clashes broke out between police and protesters in cities across France on Saturday. The Interior Ministry said 272 people had been arrested by mid-afternoon; it cited confrontations with law enforcement, looting or attempted looting, and damage to public buildings. Protesters said most people demonstrated peacefully and blamed the violence on troublemakers.
2. Protests broaden
The protests began last month at high schools in Paris’s poor northern suburbs, where anger over teacher shortages and inadequate facilities broadened into a movement focused on inequality, public spending and living standards. In Paris, some police fired tear gas as protesters gathered, while windows were smashed and cars and trash cans set on fire. Protests also took place in Brussels and Albania.
3. Investor concerns
France’s efforts to reduce public debt have failed to reassure investors, pushing government borrowing costs to their highest levels in more than two decades. Police tactics have also drawn criticism after demonstrators were injured; the police watchdog is investigating at least two dozen allegations of police violence.
