France protests: Almost 1,000 arrested as clashes follow another day of mass protests

Nearly 1,000 people have been arrested across France as mass protests once again erupted into violent clashes, with riot police deploying tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. Now, what began as largely peaceful demonstrations has descended into unrest, with barricades set ablaze in major cities, including Paris. France's Interior Ministry estimated that around 410,000 people took to the streets on Saturday, while trade unions put the figure at approximately 800,000. Authorities deployed nearly 70,000 police officers and imposed restrictions across several cities in an effort to prevent protests over the rising cost of living and poor school conditions from spiraling out of control. President Emmanuel Macron's government ordered police to keep demonstrators away from city centres and major shopping districts. Partial curfews were also imposed in certain urban areas of Paris and other cities. But despite the largely peaceful nature of the marches, violence broke out towards the end of the demonstration in the capital. Riot police fired tear gas as protesters hurled projectiles, while smoke filled the streets and fireworks were launched near officers. In the western city of Nantes, thousands of demonstrators pushed through police lanes as officers responded with tear gas and water cannons, allowing protesters to reach the city centre. Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Orleans, where far-right leader Marine Le Pen's national rally It held a rally to launch her presidential election campaign and thousands of counter-protesters, they also took to the streets, chanting anti-fascist slogans in opposition to the party.