France strikes live: clashes with police during what could be the largest gathering

As of 1 p.m. local time (7 a.m. ET), 270,000 people were participating in nearly 200 demonstrations across France during the national day of action organized by unions, according to the Interior Ministry.

This total does not take into account the capital, Paris, where a march is due to start shortly, but is higher than the number involved in demonstrations outside Paris last weekend.

“The marches are generally taking place without problem, some are still in progress. However, tensions have been reported in Lyon, where several hundred individuals have formed a black bloc,” indicated the Ministry of the Interior. The “black bloc” refers to masked protesters.

“In Nantes, the first incidents were reported as the march dispersed,” said the ministry, while in Paris “numerous unauthorized marches are systematically monitored and dispersed by the police on public roads.”

Near Toulouse, a fire broke out on the grounds of a school following the throwing of incendiary devices, the ministry said.

“Law enforcement remains strongly mobilized for the afternoon demonstrations in order to contain violent groups, prevent unrest and intervene whenever necessary to protect the population, secure processions and safeguard public buildings.”