UPDATE - Nearly 300 arrested as thousands join mass protests in France
- Yellow Vest protesters join high school students and farmers in demonstrations against rising living costs
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- Yellow Vest protesters join high school students and farmers in demonstrations against rising living costs
UPDATE WITH RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, CHANGES DECK, LEDE, LEAD
By Necva Tastan Sevinc
ISTANBUL (AA) - Yellow Vest protesters joined high school students and farmers in demonstrations across France on Saturday against rising living costs, with at least 272 people arrested nationwide as clashes erupted in several cities.
Police put turnout at around 20,000 each in Lyon and Nantes, and 10,000 in Rennes. In Paris, authorities reported 163 arrests, French broadcaster BFMTV reported.
The mobilization brought together former members of the Yellow Vest movement, university students, climate activists, and trade unionists, alongside high school students and farmers.
The Yellow Vest movement emerged in France in 2018, protesting fuel taxes and the cost of living.
Around 500 actions and more than 90 demonstrations were planned across the country on Saturday, according to sources close to the Interior Ministry.
In Paris, police used tear gas and water cannon around Place de la Republique, where a vehicle was set ablaze. The main march began at around 2.30 pm (12.30 GMT) despite clashes, with the first demonstrators later reaching Place de Clichy.
In Lyon, masked individuals smashed windows at the tourist office on Place Bellecour, where looting and a fire were reported. Earlier, protesters fired fireworks toward police, who responded with tear gas.
In Marseille, people briefly entered city hall, damaging televisions and knocking a bust of Marianne to the ground. No injuries were reported. Mayor Benoit Payan condemned the incident, saying the damage was relatively limited.
Authorities deployed two additional riot police companies to Marseille. A municipal police station was also targeted, with windows broken and smoke devices thrown inside, according to the prefecture.
In Nice, the prefecture said masked groups attacked businesses and police near Avenue Jean Medecin and the railway station.
The nationwide action comes after weeks of student demonstrations demanding increased education funding and better study conditions, alongside criticism of police intervention during protests.
High school organization Renouveau lyceen called for urgent consultations on the future of the Parcoursup university admissions platform and a €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) plan to improve school buildings.
Left-wing politician Jean-Luc Melenchon and Greens leader Marine Tondelier criticized the policing strategy, accusing authorities of fueling confrontation.
Demonstrations were banned around key locations in Paris, including the Elysee Palace, the prime minister’s office and the Champs-Elysees.
President Emmanuel Macron called on Friday for calm and respect for people and property during the demonstrations.
Necva Taştan Sevinç