More than 140,000 rally as new protests against rising costs sweep France

More than 140,000 people rally across France in another day of protests against rising costs, in a fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations over the cost of living and rising fuel prices.

The Ministry of the Interior says about 146,000 people took part across the country on Saturday, including 46,000 in Paris. Trade unions put the figure higher at 250,000 nationwide, with 75,000 in the capital. The demonstrations follow a rally days earlier in which an estimated 575,000 people took part in union-organised action. About 70,000 security personnel have been deployed across the country, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warning authorities will be ready and waiting for anyone engaging in rioting or looting.

Clashes in Paris and Lyon

Clashes break out between police and some protesters in Paris despite a lower turnout than in previous weeks. Footage shows police charging at protesters and using tear gas to disperse crowds. Police say a group of about 200 people attacked officers as they were arresting a man who had set fire to a rubbish bin in a Paris square. In Lyon, police fire tear gas to disperse several hundred people blocking a road during an unauthorised gathering. The movement began in September over poor conditions and a lack of resources in French high schools, and has since expanded to cover wider grievances linked to worsening living standards. It continues to be led by students but people of all ages have taken part, including railway and other workers who say they want to press the government for higher salaries and better facilities.

Why it matters

The persistence of the protests through a fourth weekend shows the pressure on French households from living costs is becoming a sustained political problem rather than a one-day strike. With a presidential election due in April, the unrest gives opposition figures an opening, with polls putting far-right candidate Marine Le Pen of the National Rally first, followed by far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon of France Unbowed. Melenchon has unveiled his programme promising to stimulate the economy through consumer spending and to channel savings towards ecological and social needs.

What happens next

Unions say they feel a sense of momentum and are likely to press for further action if the government does not respond on pay and public services. The government is expected to keep a heavy security presence deployed while the protests continue, and further demonstrations are likely in the coming weeks. With the presidential race approaching, the economics of the protests are likely to dominate debate in France.