Riots Erupt Again in France: Protesters Throw Stones at Police and Set Cars on Fire

Another wave of mass protests in France has led to clashes between demonstrators and police. Unrest has been reported in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, and Toulouse. According to the LETA agency citing DPA, most demonstrations were peaceful. However, in several cities, small groups of protesters clashed with law enforcement. In Paris and Lyon, police used tear gas after attacks on security personnel. ### In Paris, Protesters Removed Pavement to Throw Stones at Police The most tense situation developed in certain areas of the French capital. According to journalists on the scene, participants in the riots used hammers to break cobblestones from the pavement and threw them at the police. Bottles filled with incendiary mixtures were also thrown at law enforcement. Cars were set on fire again in the streets. In Marseille, protesters built barricades and set fire to garbage containers. Clashes with police also occurred in Rennes and Toulouse. However, no information was provided regarding the number of injured or detained individuals. ### Police Conducted Over 1200 Checks Before the Marches Began French authorities prepared in advance for possible unrest. According to the Paris police prefecture, over 1200 checks were conducted on Saturday morning at train stations and surrounding areas. The aim was to identify individuals who might pose a threat to public safety. Fearing attacks on government buildings and looting of stores, authorities also altered the routes of some demonstrations, directing marches away from central areas of Paris and other cities. Unions, school and student organizations, as well as the "Yellow Vests" movement, called for participation in the actions. ### Fewer Protesters, but Tension Remains According to the French Ministry of the Interior, about 320,000 people participated in Saturday's demonstrations across the country, including 70,000 in Paris. This is fewer than during the two previous protest weekends. The largest protests took place on October 17, when around 550,000 people took to the streets. At that time, demonstrations in several cities escalated into riots and looting of stores. A week later, on October 24, 410,000 people participated in the protests. Thus, over two weeks, the number of demonstrators, according to the Ministry of the Interior, decreased by approximately 42%. However, clashes in several cities show that the reduction in participants has not yet led to a cessation of street violence.