France sees 290+ arrests as third straight weekend of protests turns violent

More than 290 people were arrested across France on Saturday as a third consecutive weekend of protests over the rising cost of living and school conditions ended in clashes between police and demonstrators in several cities.

The French Interior Ministry counted 320,000 participants nationwide, including 70,000 in Paris. Around 70,000 police officers and security personnel were deployed across the country.

Demonstrations began peacefully but deteriorated in the late afternoon. In Marseille, footage showed fires burning in streets as firefighters responded. Clashes were also reported in Rennes and Toulouse. Police fired tear gas in Paris and Lyon after demonstrators threw fireworks and incendiary devices at officers in riot gear, with several officers caught in the flames.

The ministry said the marches had "proceeded smoothly within the framework of the declared demonstrations," while noting that "radical elements" in several cities, including Bordeaux, Toulouse and Marseille, had attempted to enter city centres "with the aim of carrying out vandalism and looting." French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had warned beforehand that the protests posed a "very high risk," citing calls for looting and rioting. Authorities also feared that Halloween celebrations could give people an opportunity to conceal their identities while committing offences.

Paris police carried out more than 1,200 checks at railway stations and nearby areas early Saturday to intercept prohibited items including fireworks and knives. Camera-equipped drones were authorised to monitor the capital throughout the day.

Protest routes in Paris and other cities were moved away from city centres ahead of the marches, and curfews were imposed in several locations. Many businesses boarded up their windows as a precaution.

Trade unions, student organisations and the Yellow Vest movement jointly called for Saturday's mobilisation. Young people began protesting weeks ago over inadequate staffing and equipment in schools; since mid-October, wider groups have joined over the cost of living. A similarly large security deployment last weekend had largely prevented a repeat of the violence and destruction seen during the October 17 protests.