French protests escalate as police use tear gas in multiple cities

Nationwide protests in France intensified on October 24, with police using tear gas in several cities, while the Paris demonstration remained peaceful. Over 400,000 people took to the streets nationwide. In Lyon, Nice, Lille, Toulouse, and Nantes, special forces deployed tear gas against protesters hours after Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned against violence. In Lille, demonstrators threw objects at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. Water cannons were also used in Nantes, where looters robbed a jewelry store. Paris police reported around 110,000 participants in the capital's march, which followed its approved route without incident. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon praised the "excellent discipline" of attendees, calling it the largest demonstration since the movement began. Protesters are demanding President Emmanuel Macron's resignation.