There have been massive protests against the government in France. Around 5.5 lakh people took to the streets across the country on Saturday. According to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, 1.1 million people demonstrated in the capital Paris. However, organizers of the protest claimed that even more people took part. Police fired tear gas shells in Paris. Demonstrations also took place in Rennes, Lyon and Marseille.

During the demonstration some people climbed on the historical statues. Many places were set on fire. There were also reports of protesters storming government buildings in Lille and Marseille. In Paris, Pauline, 36, told CNN that wealth and power in the country were being concentrated in the hands of a few. He spoke of demonstrating in support of the youth. Lewis, 38, said democracy had weakened under President Emmanuel Macron. According to him, some billionaires control the media.

Youth angry with the condition and cost of schools

Last month, students also demonstrated in France on a large scale. Now this movement has turned into a widespread protest against the government. The protesters are angry at the poor condition of schools, rising inflation and government inaction. Earlier, the students demanded to reduce the number of students in classes, increase the expenditure on teachers and build school infrastructure capable of dealing with the climate crisis. He also demanded an end to police violence against youth.

In France over the past 15 years, the number of students has increased, but the number of teachers has decreased due to a rise in the birth rate and cuts in funding for education. Education Minister Edouard Jaffer has met with students several times in recent weeks, but no agreement has yet been reached.

Questions have also been raised on the action of the police

After the protests ended on Saturday, some youths looted and set fire to shops in Paris. Police responded by firing tear gas and using batons. Now 195 people have been detained. President Macron criticized the hooligans. He said those who attacked police stations, government offices and shops would be punished.

Paris police also said they would not back down against thugs. Questions have also been raised against the strictness of the police. Earlier in the week, a 14-year-old boy had his jaw broken during police action. A policeman held the girl by the neck in the northwestern city of Alençon. Such action is prohibited under law.