French riot police fired tear gas and charged a group of protesters in the French city of Lyon on Thursday as demonstrations took place across the country in a renewed challenge to President Emmanuel Macron after weeks of unrest.
Some of the protesters were seen shouting anti-police slogans, and some were dressed all in black, with face coverings.
The Interior Ministry said police in Lyon had been confronted by several hundred hardcore protesters and that the violence had been contained although tensions remained high.
The nationwide protests and a strike by public workers, called by trade unions and backed by student groups, come after demonstrations over living costs, public services and education triggered the worst civil unrest France has seen in years.
The unrest comes only five months before a presidential election which could pit far-right candidate Marine Le Pen against hard-left rival Jean-Luc Melenchon in a second-round run-off. Macron, who is serving his second term and is unpopular, cannot run again.
Reuters French police clash with protesters in Lyon on day of nationwide rallies, strike
