Tear Gas and Clashes Erupt at Paris Protest

Tear gas and clashes erupted Saturday afternoon at Place de la République in central Paris, where thousands of students, "yellow vests," and radical left activists gathered, prompting a massive police presence and sporadic stun grenade explosions. Some masked activists appeared prepared for confrontation with police, while others stated they intended to demonstrate peacefully. Nurse Caroline, 32, said diverse movements were uniting to demand government action, with grievances ranging from fuel prices to education funding and farmer support. The protests occur amid France's precarious public finance situation, with Prime Minister Lecornu announcing major spending cuts. Unrest was also reported in Lyon and Marseille, with police estimating about 90 demonstrations planned across France on Saturday.