France, Nov. 5 -- The Interior Ministry reported 270,000 demonstrators at 180 protests outside Paris, with the capital's turnout not yet included in the provisional count.

The CGT union separately reported more than 250,000 protesters in 73 towns and cities.

Clashes broke out in several cities, including Lyon, as authorities deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country. Most demonstrations were proceeding without major incidents, the Interior Ministry said.

In Lyon, police counted 30,000 demonstrators, while unions put the figure at 55,000. Tensions were also reported in Toulouse, Rennes, Pau and Orleans.

Near Toulouse, a high school was evacuated after a fire broke out during the day's protests.

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