Clashes in Paris after new French protests

Thousands of people protested across France on Saturday in a new show of anger against the government with clashes erupting between police and some protesters in Paris despite a lower turnout than in previous weeks.

The protests marked the fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations against the rising cost of living which have erupted as the country heads to presidential elections in five months’ time where the far-right sees its best chance yet to win power.

A total of 146,000 people took part in demonstrations across France on Saturday, including 46,000 in Paris, the interior ministry said. Unions put the figure at 250,000 protesters nationwide, with 75,000 in the capital.