French police arrest 855 people in Paris as protests, violence erupt across country

French police said Sunday they had detained a record 855 people on Saturday over protest violence, amid nationwide demonstrations.

Cars were set on fire and shops were looted in Paris on Saturday as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent protesters who joined protests against rising living costs and in support of high school students' grievances.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez's office reported "a growing number of violent incidents" across the country, including assaults on officers, looting and damage to public buildings.

Protesters across France responded to calls on social media to revive the "yellow vest" movement, which emerged in 2018 against social injustice. Demonstrators expressed widespread frustration and anger at the government as gasoline, energy and food prices have spiked in recent months.

Police fired tear gas and water cannons to push back people



wearing hoods and masks and throwing fireworks, paving stones and other objects at officers in the Place de la République, northeast of the Paris city center.

Associated Press reporters saw thick black smoke rising from cars, bicycles and other vehicles, and trash bins on fire. A kiosk was also burning, while several shops have been looted. Several people have been injured in the clashes.

Police tried to prevent other small groups of protesters from converging on government buildings, Nuñez's office said.

Many metro stations were closed Saturday at police request, including those around the Champs-Elysées and near the presidential palace, parliament and government offices.

Meanwhile, the majority of peaceful protesters joined a march that moved toward northwestern Paris. The crowd chanted France's national anthem and waved flags, and some people played trumpets and violins.