In brief
French authorities reported 779 arrests during protests in 90 cities on Saturday, with roughly 320,000 participants. BFM TV and the Interior Ministry cited the figures. An explosive device detonated near a security officer in Paris, prompting an attempt‑murder investigation.
The Interior Ministry of France reported 779 arrests across the country on Saturday as massive demonstrations unfolded in more than 90 cities, according to a news bulletin that cited BFM TV figures and official ministry data.
Authorities said that an estimated 320,000 people joined the marches nationwide, with a concentration of about 70,000 demonstrators in the capital, where tensions rose as the crowds scattered from the main sites.
Scope of the protests
The rallies that took place early Saturday morning began in the city of Toulouse, then spread to the Île‑de‑France and other major metropolitan and regional areas. Participants marched to protest the increasing cost of living, citing government policies that they say have tightened the budgets of ordinary citizens.
While the majority of the marches proceeded peacefully, police noted that often the final dispersal of demonstrators led to confrontations in several cities, which prompted the use of security measures that resulted in the reported number of arrests.
Incident in Paris and its aftermath
In Paris, a homemade explosive device detonated near the feet of a security officer located outside the Porte de Charenton in the 12th arrondissement. The officer was slightly injured as a result of the blast, and the incident was reported to the authorities early in the afternoon.
The Paris prosecutor’s office opened an investigation on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the explosion, according to a statement released on Sunday. No further details about the perpetrator or the motive have been provided at this time.
Even as the protests drew international attention, French officials emphasized that the actions of the demonstrators reflected a broader public sentiment emerging across the nation, and they called for calm to ensure the continuation of lawful discourse.