France Protests: 1,314 Arrested as Unions Promise More Rallies Against Macron

France Protests: 1,314 Arrested as Unions Promise More Rallies Against Macron

French authorities say more than 1,300 people were arrested after nationwide protests on Saturday over the cost of living, wages, education and public services, as unions warned of further rallies against President Emmanuel Macron's government. The Interior Ministry put turnout at about 410,000 people, including 110,000 in Paris, while unions estimated the crowd closer to 800,000.

Most marches passed off peacefully, but clashes broke out in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse and Nantes as demonstrations dispersed, with riot police using tear gas and water cannon. Officials said 53 members of the security forces were injured, firefighters dealt with 75 fires and 24 shops were looted. Around 70,000 police officers had been deployed across the country to prevent a repeat of the previous weekend's far heavier violence.

The new figures are still far below the previous Saturday, when 2,628 people were arrested and more than 1,000 officers were hurt. With presidential elections due in 2027, the protests have become a test of strength between the government and the unions, and organisers say the pressure will continue until their demands on pay and public services are met.

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