Student protests against a new labor law in France have turned violent. More than 300 people were being held in custody by police throughout the country. Meanwhile, French President Jacques Chirac called for talks with student protest leaders.
Authorities estimated the number of protesters at more than 250,000. Approximately 200 demonstrations took place throughout France.
The most violent incidents took place around Sorbonne university in Paris. Riot police fired rubber pellets and tear gas at youths who pelted them with stones and set cars on fire. Fifty-one police and riot officers were injured in the confrontation.
Student leaders condemned the violent actions of some protesters which were blamed on radicals and fringe groups.
The government seemed to agree. 'There was a demonstration that went smoothly and then there were a few delinquents who came to pick a fight,' Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy told reporters.
The protest was against a new labor law proposed by Chirac's prime minister, Dominique de Villepin. Under the new law, employers could fire an employee for any reason within the first two years after they were hired. The government believes such flexibility will lead to more hirings and reduce France's high unemployment rate.
Another rally featuring both students and labor leaders is scheduled for Saturday.
