French protesters block the Louvre as authorities roll out curfews to curb unrest

Protesters have blocked the Louvre museum in Paris after clashing with security and forcing a day-long closure, saying the demonstration “is a sign of rage”.

“We are tired of being worried about our future … it’s a symbol because we know people are going to see us here,” said one protester.

France has endured some of its most extreme protests in years over cost of living pressures, rising fuel prices and school infrastructure as crowds pour out onto streets across the country, with some fringe groups looting and burning buildings.

To curb the unrest and protect local businesses, authorities have announced the enforcement of partial curfews across a number of cities, including Paris, Lille and Lyon.

The unrest has been likened to the infamous 1968 student uprising in France, with Professor Peter McPhee, French historian at the University of Melbourne, telling SBS News that French students have tapped into broader public sentiments about a difficult future.

Read more: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-is-happening-paris-france-protests/bogrd719s

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