Huge protests in France over education, rising prices | NHK WORLD

Huge protests in France over education, rising prices

Huge demonstrations have been held in France demanding measures against rising prices and other problems. The protests coincided with those by high school students who have been calling for an improvement of their educational environment.

The demonstrations on Saturday backed by labor unions and others called on the government to deal with surging costs of fuel and other goods. France's Interior Ministry said 110 marches were held in the country and they drew about 550,000 people.

In central Paris, a large crowd marched chanting slogans and carrying placards expressing dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the situation.

A woman who took part in the protest expressed her anger, saying there is a sense of social discontent and everyone has had enough. She also complained about expensive gas prices in her country, and blamed its present status on the administration of French President Emmanuel Macron's years of governance.

The weekend demonstrations were joined by high school students who have been protesting since last month, as well as university students who support their movement.

A male high school student stressed that many people are rallying over issues affecting high schools. He added that he believes the larger the scale of protest becomes, the more the country will take notice of the problem.

Meanwhile, vandalism took place along with the demonstrations in various parts of the country. Shops in a Paris square were set alight, and the town hall in the central city of Limoges was set ablaze. Public facilities and stores have been damaged by arson and looting across the country.

Local media were reporting the chaos in various parts of the country sparked by clashes between demonstrators and police.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said authorities have detained about 400 people on suspicion of acts of violence and other disturbances.