Clashes were breaking out this afternoon in many French cities although protests were reportedly not in the numbers that saw more than half a million wreak havoc in the capital and major urban centres, infiltrated by vandals which looted and burned shops.
It is estimated that almost 40 thousand people were on the roads, as 70 thousand police, including special units have been mobilised to prevent violrn, closing off the centre of Paris and changing demonstration plans at the last minute to catch protesters off guard.
Police used tear gas in a number of cases, making more than 200 arrests by early afternoon.
Protesters clashed with security forces with Lyon, with officers also using stun grenades.
Interior minister Laurent Nunez demanded zero tolerance against those who attempted to cause violent incidents, with emphasis on reaction speed and operational readiness.
‘Key words are mobility, reaction and adaptability’, he said, noting there was a need to be ruthless.
Movement restrictions across many cities contributed towards slightly more muted protests. French authorities said.
