On Thursday (March 23), thousands of people took to the streets of Paris to protest proposed pension reforms. What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated into a violent clash between protesters and police, with tear gas, fires, and vandalism erupting throughout the city.

The protests, which stretched from Place de la Republique to Opera Garnier, saw tensions rise as protesters clashed with police officers attempting to maintain order. According to eyewitnesses, the scene was chaotic, with protesters hurling stones and other objects at police, while officers responded with tear gas and other crowd control measures.

As the protests wore on, things turned darker, with reports of fires and vandalism across the city. Even the popular fast food chain McDonald's was not spared, as its windows were vandalized during the demonstrations.

Pension reform: riot, fire, and tear gas in Paris. 23 march 2023. From Place de la Republique to Opera Garnier. Paris, France.

Macdonald's windows have been vandalized.