France: 200 arrested as protesters clash with police

French Home Minister Bruno Retaillo said that this movement spread across the country has worsened the situation to a great extent.

Paris: After Nepal, France witnessed massive violence and protests on Wednesday. Protesters blocked roads in several cities, set fire and attacked the police. In retaliation, security forces fired tear gas shells. This protest is being seen as an attempt to put pressure on President Emmanuel Macron and corner his new prime minister politically.

French Home Minister Bruno Retaillo informed that about 200 protesters were arrested in the early hours of the start of the protest. He said that this movement spread across the country has worsened the situation to a great extent. The protesters had planned to "shut down everything", although they could not reach their declared intention.

The protest started on social media and spread rapidly in the last few months. On Wednesday, about 80 thousand security forces were deployed to prevent nationwide chaos. Police removed barricades at many places and made rapid arrests.

The Home Minister said that protesters set a bus on fire in the western city of Rennes. At the same time, rail service was disrupted due to damage to the power line in the south-western region. He alleged that some protesters are trying to create an "atmosphere of rebellion" in the country.

Experts say that this protest is not just against the policies of the government, but is a symbol of growing discontent among the public. At present, the biggest challenge before the French government is to normalize the situation and balance public sentiments.