Mass protests across France as police use water cannon; 121 arrested

Mass demonstrations erupted across France as people took to the streets to protest rising living costs, demanding higher wages, better protection for children and youth, and increased investment in education. Authorities say more than 106,000 people took part nationwide, while organisers put the figure at 200,000.

Clashes, tear gas and water cannon in several cities

The French Interior Ministry reported 121 arrests during the protests across the country, including 22 in Paris — among them three minors. Officials said more than 60 separate rallies were held in towns and cities from north to south.

In the capital, roughly 24,000 people demonstrated according to official counts; youth unions estimated the turnout at nearly 100,000. Three different gatherings ran at the same time in Paris: a protest against a proposed law on the use of firearms by security forces, an international march against violence toward children, and a Yellow Vests demonstration focused on the cost-of-living crisis.

The Yellow Vests joined columns of unions, students and civic groups for parts of the route, and authorities closed 21 metro stations along the protest line. The state had deployed about 70,000 police officers around the country.

Police used tear gas in Paris, water cannon were deployed in Nantes, and clashes between demonstrators and police were reported in Bordeaux. Alongside unions and students, child-and-youth activists, human-rights groups and climate movements joined the rallies.

Union representatives said their shared demands included greater purchasing power, protection of civil rights and a fight against police violence.

Photo: press material from the event