Protesters clash with police in Paris over rising living costs

Protesters gathered in Paris on Saturday to march against rising living costs. The demonstration began early, with crowds heading toward Place de Clichy before the scheduled start. Police moved to block the route to Place de la République, leading to a clash that saw tear gas deployed and stun grenades thrown. The police described the scene as chaotic, while protest organisers claimed the authorities had used excessive force.

The protests come amid a wave of demonstrations across France over inflation, wage stagnation and the cost of energy. In recent weeks, thousands of citizens have joined street marches in cities from Marseille to Lyon. The government has pledged to raise wages and reduce taxes, but many feel the measures are insufficient. The current protest is part of a broader campaign by labour unions and consumer groups calling for a 5% wage increase and a reduction in the price of basic goods.

On the ground, footage shows people running with masks on, while police sprayed tear gas. The use of stun grenades was confirmed by a police spokesperson, who said they were necessary to disperse a crowd that had become violent. Protest organisers said that police had blocked access to the planned route, forcing the march to detour. The crowd swelled to an estimated 10,000 participants, a figure that organisers say is higher than last month’s protests. Social media posts show police in riot gear and protesters holding signs that read “Enough Inflation” and “We Need a Fair Wage.”

The government has said it will review the police response and will hold a meeting with union leaders next week. Meanwhile, the French Interior Ministry has called for calm and urged citizens to avoid confrontations. The protests are expected to continue throughout the weekend, with organisers planning a second march on Sunday. The outcome of these demonstrations could influence the upcoming parliamentary debate on the national budget, making the situation a key focus for lawmakers and the public alike.