Protests break out in Paris over cost of living and student grievances

Scuffles broke out Saturday in Paris between police and small groups of protesters joining a march as part of nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs and in support of high school students' grievances.

Police used tear gas to push back people wearing hoods and masks and throwing fireworks and other objects at officers in the Place de la Republique, northeast of the Paris city centre.

Large numbers of riot police were deployed in the square and surrounding streets as protesters set fire to a car and a newspaper kiosk.

Protesters across France responded to calls on social media to revive the "yellow vest" movement which emerged in 2018 against social injustice. Student groups protesting since mid-September through school blockades have urged supporters to join them.