French Protests Against High Living Costs Continue for Fourth Saturday

Protests continued in France for a fourth consecutive Saturday, with turnout lower than previous weeks. The Interior Ministry reported 146,000 demonstrators nationwide, while organizers claimed 250,000, compared to between 320,000 and 500,000 last Saturday. Authorities reported 360 arrests and nearly 40,000 preventive checks by evening. Clashes occurred in cities including Toulouse, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg, while Paris saw tensions after the march, with tear gas deployed and 15 arrests. Two Yellow Vest coordinators were detained in Paris, where their rally was banned. Further protests are planned Tuesday over education issues, with unions calling for a nationwide strike. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will hold a social conference Monday with employer and worker groups.