French Protests Draw 150,000 as Arrests Top 200

Around 150,000 people demonstrated in France against high living costs and education system problems, according to authorities, with unions and student groups estimating 250,000. The protests were mostly peaceful, but scattered clashes occurred in several cities afterward. Interior Ministry reported 232 arrests by 6 p.m. and nearly 40,000 preventive checks, with unrest in Toulouse, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg. Paris saw a calm march but evening tensions, including tear gas and fires. Attendance was lower than recent weekends, which saw between 320,000 and 500,000 participants. Two Yellow Vest coordinators were arrested in Paris, where a rally was banned. Further protests are planned Tuesday, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will hold a social conference Monday with unions and student representatives.