France: Protests across the country against cost of living; clashes and fires in Lyon and Toulouse

In depth

Labor unions, students and retirees demonstrated across France in protest against the cost of living, the conditions of public services and the education system. According to the CGT union, more than a quarter of a million people took part in strikes and some 270 demonstrations.

In Lyon protesters clashed with security forces, and in Toulouse 12 people were arrested and a school was set on fire. Police fired tear gas at the demonstrations. Some 70,000 police officers were deployed nationwide.

Protests in France and Italy resumed, demanding higher wages and investment in education and public services. The organizers of the protests announced they intend to expand the demonstrations.