A RIA Novosti correspondent reports from the scene: thousands of people have turned out in Paris for a large demonstration against rising prices.
One of the participants, named Leon, explained to the agency: "We are here to defend our rights. <...> and to speak out against a government that does not listen. So we have to shout louder so they hear us better. I believe this is the only way for the people to act - to take part in rallies and make ourselves heard. Calmly, but firmly."
A few hours earlier, the authorities moved the pre-set route to the outskirts of the city. The columns of demonstrators are currently moving along it peacefully. Some are holding French and trade union flags, as well as placards calling for higher wages and slogans against police violence.
The march is led by security forces in full gear with riot shields. A total of 70,000 police officers are planned to be deployed across the country to ensure security.
Protests in France have continued since the middle of last month. They were started by high school and university students in the suburbs of Paris demanding improvements to educational institutions. Later they were joined by those unhappy about the rising cost of living, and the rallies spread to other regions.
The largest was the nationwide demonstration on October 17, which escalated into unrest and pogroms. That day looters robbed shops, smashed windows, set fires and clashed with police. According to official data, about 550,000 people took part in it.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the situation had got out of control and the number of police officers had proved insufficient. He took full responsibility and resigned, but Emmanuel Macron did not accept his resignation. The president himself acknowledged that among the protesters there were not only radicals but also hundreds of thousands of citizens concerned about rising prices.