France: Protesters storm town halls as police fire tear gas in Paris and Lyon

France's nationwide day of protest turned violent in several cities on Saturday. The Interior Ministry counted about 32,800 participants in some 140 actions outside Paris by midday. Police used tear gas and batons in Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg, and a water cannon in Paris. Al Jazeera, citing the Interior Ministry, reported more than 250 arrests nationwide.

In Lyon, the tourist office was set on fire. In Marseille, masked protesters rammed the door of the town hall and got inside before police pushed them out. Later, protesters also stormed Lille's town hall and damaged several rooms, AFP reported. A car burned on Place de la République in Paris, and windows were smashed at the Paris offices of broadcasters CNews and Europe 1.

The Yellow Vest movement was among those calling for the protests, which drew high school and university students, teachers and unions. Demonstrators are angry about rising fuel prices and living costs, conditions in schools and what critics call heavy-handed policing. President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm on Friday, saying the constitutional right to protest comes with a duty to respect people and property.