181 protesters detained in France, 31 arrests in Paris

A total of 181 protesters have been detained across France, with 31 arrests made in Paris, as confirmed by the French Ministry of the Interior and the Paris Police Prefecture, Report informs via the local press.

In addition to the arrests, 11 individuals were reported injured during the protests.

It was also reported that nearly 100 demonstrators entered the building of the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Paris.

Overall, more than 500,000 people are said to be participating in the protest actions across France, including 55,000 in the capital.

19:26

The number of protesters arrested across France has increased to 140, Report informs, citing local media and a new update from the country's National Police.

"As of 15:45, 140 arrests have been made nationwide, including 21 in Paris," police officials stated.

Authorities also reported that eight law enforcement officers sustained minor injuries during the demonstrations.

The total number of protesters across the country is estimated at 282,477.

Police have reportedly used tear gas and physical force against protesters in central Paris.

Demonstrators have been smashing windows of shops and banks, setting trash bins on fire, and hurling fireworks and bottles at law enforcement officers. In response, police are pushing back the crowds in an attempt to restore order.

It is estimated that up to 100,000 people may join the protests in Paris alone.

Several banks in the capital - including Bred, LCL, and CIC - have reportedly come under attack by unidentified individuals wearing hoods.

Nationwide strikes continue to disrupt transportation and public services across multiple regions of France.

18:04

A total of 114 protesters have been arrested across France, Report informs, citing Le Figaro.

According to police data, around 264,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide, excluding Paris.

15:02

The number of people detained across France has risen to 79 amid nationwide demonstrations against the government"s draft budget, Report said, citing Le Figaro.

According to TF1 television, about 29,000 people have already taken part in rallies throughout the country.

The latest gendarmerie data as of 10 a.m. show 252 separate protests, particularly in the west of the country. At present, there are around 28,500 demonstrators," the report stated.

Authorities expect participation to climb to as many as 900,000 people later in the day.

10:11

France is preparing for widespread demonstrations and strikes in response to planned government spending cuts. More than 250 protests are scheduled across the country today, according to French media cited by Report.

Various labor unions are demanding increased funding for public services, higher taxes on wealthy citizens, and the repeal of pension reforms, which have sparked broad public dissatisfaction. Authorities expect around 800,000 people to participate in the protests.

The demonstrations are likely to cause significant disruptions to transportation, affecting road, rail, and air travel. Many schools may also temporarily close.

The core issue driving public unrest is the government"s austerity measures, proposed last summer by former Prime Minister François Bayrou. These measures aim to reduce the budget deficit from 5.8% of GDP in 2024 to 4.6% in 2026 and include revisions to the benefits system, sharp cuts to public spending, and the elimination of two public holidays.

Last week, the new government led by Sébastien Lecornu announced that it does not plan to cancel the two public holidays, offering a partial concession amid ongoing tensions.