Tear Gas At France Protests: Police clash with crowds over rising costs; authorities fear unrest

French police fired tear gas at demonstrators in Paris protesting against the rising prices and what they described as the erosion of the country's social model, which aims to guarantee basic opportunities and social security.

Clashes were also reported in Marseille, where protesters hurled projectiles at police, who responded by deploying tear gas. Tens of thousands of people are expected to take part in demonstrations across France to protest soaring fuel prices and the rising cost of living.

Demonstrations began across France to join a nationwide movement against rising prices and the perceived erosion of the country's social welfare system, which aims to ensure basic opportunities and social security. The protests originated last month at high schools in the poorer northern suburbs of Paris, where frustration over teacher shortages and deteriorating school facilities soon developed into a broader campaign against inequality, inadequate public spending and declining standards.

A heavy police presence was seen in central Paris, particularly around prominent landmarks such as the Champs-Elysees avenue and the Arc de Triomphe. Both locations were excluded from the routes designated for the two official demonstrations. Prime minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Thursday that authorities fear unrest during the protests. The government accused the hard-left France Unbowed of inflaming the protests, an accusation it denies.