France protests draw 320,000 as some rallies turn violent

Hundreds of thousands of people protested in France for a third consecutive weekend over living costs and education, while youth-led demonstrations also took place elsewhere in Europe. The French government estimated turnout at 320,000 and reported more than 560 arrests in one account; clashes and police use of tear gas and water cannons were reported in several cities.

• France’s government estimated 320,000 people protested nationwide, including 70,000 in Paris; reported turnout was lower than in the two previous weekends.· 1 source
• Protests began with students’ concerns about school conditions and expanded to include grievances over living costs, education, climate and public services.· 1 source
• About 70,000 police and gendarmes were deployed across France, and Paris routes were moved to the city’s edge.· 2 sources
• Most marches were described as peaceful, but some ended in clashes, fires and property damage; police used tear gas, water cannons or other crowd-control measures in several places.· 2 sources
• Youth-led demonstrations were also reported in Germany, while protests in Portugal focused on housing; reports described police preparations or a strong police presence in other European cities.· 2 sources