In France, this time, a large-scale protest against high prices... Violent clashes everywhere

(Brussels = Yonhap News) Correspondent Hyun Yoon-kyung = Another large-scale protest took place on the 17th (local time) in France, where high school students' angry cries demanding improvement of the poor educational environment have continued for four weeks.

This time, workers protesting the sky-rocketing cost of living and skyrocketing fuel prices, as well as citizens sympathizing with the 'yellow vest' movement, poured into the streets in large numbers.

The 'yellow vest' symbolizes the large-scale anti-government protests that shook all of France for several months, starting in 2018 as a backlash against the government's fuel tax increase and inequality.

In addition, over the past few weeks, students have occupied the streets instead of schools, leading to a series of cases of violent clashes between protesters and public authorities in major cities, including the capital Paris.

According to the AFP news agency, as thousands of protesters gathered to march in the capital Paris, major roads were blocked, several city subway stations were closed, and a large riot police force was deployed around the square, creating tension.

At the Place de la Republique, northeast of downtown Paris, the police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters wearing hoods and masks and throwing firecrackers at the police.

In western Paris, about 20 protesters were arrested after attacking two media outlets, including the conservative broadcaster CNews. The police announced that about 100 people, including these people, were taken into custody in Paris alone that day.

In the southern port city of Marseille, the second-largest city, downtown stores and a police station were damaged by protesters, and the city hall building was temporarily breached by protesters.

People who broke into the city hall drew the letter 'A' on the wall, symbolizing anarchism, and also shouted, "We are going to occupy the Bastille," in reference to the mob attack on the Bastille prison, which was a symbol of royal oppression during the French Revolution in 1789.

In downtown Lyon, France's third-largest city, a tourist information center was burned down by firecrackers thrown by masked protesters.

On this day, more than 600 protests were planned across France, and by noon, 140 protests and collective actions were held across the country excluding Paris. The French Interior Ministry said the number of protestors exceeded 30,000.

It added that attempts at looting, attacks on police officers, arson of street furniture, and attacks targeting government agencies and media outlets were also reported in other major cities, including Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Angers.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged citizens to remain calm on the 16th ahead of large-scale protests that day. President Macron emphasized, "The right to protest and express one's opinion is guaranteed by the Constitution, but this right comes with the obligation to respect others."

Meanwhile, some former key figures of the 'yellow vest' movement participated in the protest, and the French Confederation of Labor (CGT) expressed its support. Left-wing political parties, including France Unbowed (LFI), led by presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, also expressed support for the protests.