Violent protests in Paris

 

Isak Lundholm Larsson

Published 13:29 | Updated 16:55

Violent protests have broken out in Paris and Lyon.

Police have used tear gas against demonstrators who threw stones and fireworks.

In both Marseille and Lille, protesters have entered city halls, according to *Le Parisien*.

In Paris, police have used tear gas against demonstrators at the Place de la République, *Le Parisien* reports.

Live footage from the scene shows clashes between police and protesters. The police have deployed water cannons.

Police have reportedly fired several rounds of tear gas over the past hour. According to the newspaper, this was prompted by protesters throwing various objects—including stones—at the police. Images from the scene show a cloud of tear gas hanging over the Place de la République, as well as several items set on fire nearby, according to BFMTV.

Armored vehicles deployed

Clashes have also occurred in Lyon, where firecrackers and fireworks were thrown at the police. There, too, the police responded with tear gas.

In Marseille, police have deployed armored vehicles, which are currently en route to the protest sites. Protesters entered the city hall, and during the incident, a bust of Marianne—a symbol of the French Republic—was reportedly vandalized.

"It is unacceptable to see people exploit protests to break in, destroy, and tear down what holds our country together," Benoît Payan, the city's mayor, told BFMTV.

In Lille, the city hall has also been stormed, according to *Le Parisien*. 

15,000 participate in protests

At 2:30 p.m., a large march is expected to set off from Place de la République, involving various groups in addition to students—including the "Yellow Vests," a movement that emerged in 2018 to protest high fuel costs.

Authorities in Paris estimate that approximately 15,000 people have gathered at Place de la République. According to reports, the protesters have joined forces to demonstrate against the rising cost of living.

Meanwhile, between 30,000 and 60,000 people are expected to take part in the protests in Paris this Saturday, according to BFMTV.

166 people have been arrested in France on Saturday, according to Le Parisien.