In brief
In Paris, what began as a largely peaceful protest against the latest government measures turned chaotic after dark. Protesters hurled fireworks, bottles and other objects towards riot police, who deployed tear gas and water cannons. According to the Interior Ministry, around 70,000 officers were stationed across France while an estimated 400,000 people took part in the demonstrations, with nearly 1,000 arrests recorded. The unrest appears poised to intensify, posing a significant threat to public safety in the capital.
The streets of Paris saw an abrupt shift from calm to chaos after midnight on Saturday as protesters launched fireworks and other projectiles at police forces, sparking a violent confrontation that has drawn the attention of the nation.
About 70,000 officers were mobilised across France for a second consecutive weekend, with riot units in Paris deploying tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
The Interior Ministry estimates that more than 400,000 people participated in the demonstrations that day, while the police reported nearly 1,000 arrests. While the protests began peacefully, the late‑night flare-up saw objects and fireworks thrown at officers, leading to a tense and dangerous environment.
Europe correspondent Nick Beake reported from the heart of the unrest, noting that the situation looks unlikely to subside without further intervention.
