Clashes erupt in France as ‘Black Thursday’ protests sweep the nation

Key Points:

• Riot police clashed with protesters in Lyon during a nationwide public sector strike fueled by anger over worsening services and rising living costs, with violent incidents including fires and the use of water cannons.
• Paris’ Eiffel Tower was closed due to the strike, and demonstrations spread across multiple cities, with protesters facing off against police and some wearing protective gear against tear gas.
• The French Interior Ministry reported several violent acts linked to the high school student movement, including attacks on police and fires at a school near Toulouse, while similar unrest occurred in Rennes, Pau, and Orleans.
• President Macron, set to leave office in May, held a defense and security meeting ahead of the protests, resulting in the deployment of 70,000 police officers supported by armored vehicles, drones, and helicopters.
• Police tactics have faced criticism following incidents where young protesters were seriously injured by police equipment, and an ongoing investigation is underway into the death of a 59-year-old man after tear gas exposure in Paris.