More than 100,000 protest across France for fifth consecutive weekend

More than 100,000 people took to the streets across France on Saturday for the fifth consecutive weekend of protests, voicing concerns over the rising cost of living, education funding, children's rights and a proposed law granting greater protection to police officers using firearms.The demonstrations brought together the Yellow Vest movement, students, education unions and other activists. The French interior ministry put the nationwide turnout at around 106,000, including 24,000 in Paris.Organisers, however, estimated that 200,000 people participated, with nearly 100,000 in the capital, according to Euronews.The protests were largely peaceful, although clashes and the use of tear gas were reported in several cities.In Paris, demonstrators gathered at Place de la Republique, a regular meeting point for nationwide protests. Students demanded better funding for education, adequate facilities in schools and improved access to higher education."We’re asking to have teachers when we go to class. We’re asking to not have ceilings collapsing on us when we eat in the canteen. We’re asking, when we get our A-levels, despite conditions getting worse every year, to be able to carry on our studies at university," Marius Mesnil, co-secretary-general of the Union Syndicale Lycéenne, said.The protests have been accompanied by school blockades, strikes and demonstrations for more than a month.