Massive demonstrations take place again in France - NHKニュース

Large-scale demonstrations have taken place again in France, triggering clashes in some areas between protesters and security forces.

Rallies backed by labor unions and other groups were held across the country yet again on Saturday. The interior ministry said 320,000 people participated.

Protesters have been demanding measures against rising prices and other issues. High school students have been calling for improvements in the education environment.

In Paris, participants took to the streets, holding up placards complaining of rising prices. Security forces led them on a route designated by authorities avoiding the city center.

A teacher in her 40s said she came to express demands regarding the high cost of living, wages and funding for public services. She added that people have a lot of anger but they feel they are not being heard, so they continue to express that anger.

A 17-year-old high school student said he thinks the government is dismissive of high school students and is refusing to take young people's demands seriously.

Tight security was in place as it was on October 24 against violence, as vandalism and looting occurred during demonstrations two weeks ago.

Some protesters clashed with security forces near the demonstration site in Paris. The interior ministry said clashes also broke out in other cities, including Marseille, and that this time more than 500 people were detained across the country.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told reporters on Saturday night that the authorities will remain vigilant all night because there were posts on websites calling for vandalism to coincide with Halloween night.