More than 160,000 people protested in Paris and several other cities in France on Saturday, objecting to new regulations introduced to contain the coronavirus pandemic, even as case numbers rise.
Some 11,000 people demonstrated in Paris, according to the Franceinfo television channel, citing the Interior Ministry.
Across France, protests were planned in cities including Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, and Toulouse.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin criticized violence directed against the police and journalists in a tweet and said nine people had been arrested.
French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for national unity and mass vaccination to fight the resurgent virus and lashed out at those fueling anti-vaccine sentiment and protests.
“I want to make a call for unity,” he said. He criticized “people who are in the business of irrational, sometimes cynical, manipulative mobilization” against vaccination. Among those organizing the protests have been far-right politicians and extremist members of France’s yellow vest movement tapping into anger at Macron’s government.
Last week, some 114,000 people nationwide took to the streets to protest against the measures, the ministry said.
The French government has introduced stricter regulations as case numbers soar in the country. France is battling a fourth wave of infections, according to Prime Minister Jean Castex.
On Friday, the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, had approved a bill to extend a requirement that people show that they have either tested negative for the virus, been vaccinated or recovered for access to certain venues.
Lawmakers also approved the compulsory vaccination of health workers.
Next, the regulations must be approved by the Senate, the upper chamber of parliament.
People would then have to prove they were vaccinated, tested negative or had recovered from Covid-19 in order to take long-distance trains, or enter bars, restaurants and shopping centres, as of August.
(With inputs from agencies)
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