Protests by students and labor unions protesting a lack of public investment and high prices were held across France on the 24th (local time).

The protests on this Saturday were held as authorities issued rally restrictions to prevent a recurrence of violence and deployed 70,000 police officers, helicopters, and armored vehicles, resulting in a smaller turnout than on the 17th.

The French Ministry of the Interior estimated that about 410,000 people participated in the protests nationwide.

AFP, AP, and Reuters reported that while there were sporadic clashes between police and protesters in some areas, including the capital Paris, the atmosphere was more subdued compared to the protests on the 17th, which saw 50,000 participants and widespread violence.

Previously, President Emmanuel Macron stated a policy banning all protests other than authorized union demonstrations, and several regional authorities issued full or partial bans on rallies.

Protesters marched carrying slogans such as, "If we burn, you burn with us," and "The Earth is burning and our future is burning with it."

Subway stations across central Paris were closed.

Major museums such as the Louvre and the Orsay Museum closed for the day, and the international art fair Art Basel Paris closed early the previous day.

Stores, ranging from luxury boutiques to grocery shops, prepared for vandalism and looting by boarding up windows with wooden planks and clearing merchandise from displays, with some deploying private security.

The Yellow Vests movement announced further protests for next Saturday, the 31st.

Meanwhile, anti-far-right rallies were held in Orleans, where a two-day national convention of the far-right party National Rally (RN), led by leading presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen, is being held through the 25th.

Protesters chanted slogans against President Emmanuel Macron as well as Le Pen, shouting, "Macron resign, Le Pen to prison."

Banners carried by the protesters read, "Youth say 'get lost' to the National Rally," and "Hotter than fascists."

Police estimated that 11,000 people participated in the anti-far-right protest, while organizers claimed 26,000.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)