Paris, 18 October (H.S.): Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest against President Emmanuel Macron, with demonstrations turning violent in several locations. Police fired tear gas and resorted to baton charges to disperse protesters as tensions escalated. The anti-government demonstrations spread beyond the capital, Paris, to several other parts of the country.

According to a CNN report, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said approximately 550,000 people had participated in demonstrations nationwide, including around 110,000 in Paris. Organisers, however, estimated that the turnout was even higher. Protests were also reported in Rennes, Lyon and Marseille over the weekend.

Images emerging from different parts of the country showed demonstrators climbing historic statues and fires burning in buildings. By evening, protesters had reportedly entered government buildings in Lille and Marseille, further escalating tensions.

Protesters expressed deep dissatisfaction with Macron’s leadership, raising concerns about the state of democracy and the influence of wealthy individuals over the media. “Democracy is under threat. He is a billionaire and controls the media. We are fighting to bring about change,” protesters said, according to the report.

In Marseille, southern France, police detained a demonstrator following clashes that broke out before the protest began. Police in Paris said that, as night fell, groups of young people engaged in looting and arson. In response, officers fired tear gas into narrow streets and used batons to disperse the crowds.

President Macron condemned those responsible for acts of violence and disorder. Late on Saturday night, he warned that individuals involved in vandalism, attacks on police stations and commercial establishments, and looting of town halls would face prosecution and punishment.

The Paris police also issued a firm warning against rioters and those attacking law enforcement personnel, stating that officers would not back down in the face of violence.

At least 195 people had reportedly been taken into custody by the time of the latest update, as authorities continued efforts to contain the unrest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar