France: More than 300 people arrested during protests against austerity measures

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced that security forces arrested more than 300 people during the mass protests that took place in the country today, Thursday, in protest against the strict austerity measures proposed by the government.

Retailleau stated at a press conference that "309 people have been detained so far, including 134 who have been placed under arrest," noting that the numbers are likely to rise.

The capital Paris and several major cities witnessed violent confrontations, where police used tear gas and batons to disperse demonstrators who blocked main streets and entrances to educational institutions and military factories, resulting in injuries to 11 security personnel, 10 demonstrators, and one journalist.

According to the General Confederation of Labor, the largest labor union in France, the number of participants in the protests and strikes exceeded one million, marking the largest popular movement since the announcement of government austerity plans.

The protests also featured slogans supporting Palestine and anarchism, while the Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors and tram services were disrupted in some areas, as tensions remain high with the expansion of strikes and roadblocks.