Key facts
- Tens of thousands protested across France over cost of living and public services.
- About 320,000 people participated in rallies nationwide.
- Masked rioters threw projectiles and incendiary devices at police.
- Police responded with teargas, stun grenades, and baton charges.
- Protests also occurred in Germany, with clashes reported.
Clashes erupted in Paris, Marseille and other French cities after tens of thousands of demonstrators marched against the cost of living and deteriorating public services. About 320,000 people participated nationwide, with police deploying teargas and stun grenades to disperse crowds joined by masked rioters. The interior ministry had deployed 70,000 police and gendarmes to quell potential violence.