Cost-of-living protests turn chaotic in Paris, Lyon and Marseille

Tens of thousands marched across France on Saturday against the high cost of living, six months before the presidential election. Yellow vests, students, workers and climate activists joined the call.

In Marseille, dozens of protesters forced open the door of city hall and knocked a bust of Marianne, a symbol of the Republic, to the floor before police dispersed them.

In Paris, police used tear gas and a water cannon against masked protesters at Place de la République, where a car was set on fire. In Lyon, a tourist office branch was ransacked and burned.

Arrests by midday

166 arrests

By midday, authorities had counted 166 arrests nationwide and 32,800 people at 140 actions outside Paris, the interior minister's office said.

France

Unions have called on public and private sector workers to strike and protest on Nov 5, over wages and public services.