More than 400,000 protest across France, challenging Macron as Paris clashes erupt
Summary
More than 400,000 people protested across France over school funding and soaring living costs, with clashes erupting in Paris as police used tear gas and water cannons. The unrest poses a fresh challenge to President Emmanuel Macron in the final months of his presidency.
Key Points
- More than 400,000 people rallied across France, according to the Interior Ministry, while the CGT union estimated nearly 800,000 participants.
- Clashes broke out in Paris at the end of the march, and police made nearly 1,000 arrests nationwide.
- The protests began over school staffing and funding but expanded into wider anger over living costs, poverty and inequality.
- President Emmanuel Macron and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez faced criticism as unions and opposition figures weighed in on the unrest.
