Protests over cost of living turn violent across France, Marseille city hall stormed

Protests against the high cost of living and falling purchasing power turned violent across France on Saturday, with clashes between demonstrators and police in Paris and other cities.

Police made 166 arrests nationwide by midday and recorded 140 demonstrations involving 32,800 people in the regions. Dozens of arrests took place in Paris from the early hours, mainly for possession of protective equipment or banned weapons.

“We're storming the Bastille!”

In Paris, police used tear gas repeatedly against hundreds of masked demonstrators dressed in black, some of whom fired fireworks. Tension centered on Republic Square before the scheduled march began at 14:00 local time.

About 100 people attacked the headquarters of the CNews television network, owned by conservative billionaire Vincent Bollore, throwing objects at the building's windows. Twenty-one arrests were made for that incident, and 40 more people were detained in the capital.

In Marseille, several dozen demonstrators forced open the entrance to City Hall, stormed inside, spray-painted walls, and smashed a bust of Marianne near the entrance. Demonstration bans were in place across large parts of Paris.