Over 550,000 people took part in protests over the soaring cost of living and deteriorating public services in Paris and other major French cities on Saturday, with violent clashes in some areas.
According to French media reports, the demonstrations brought together farmers, climate activists, trade unions and students, expressing demands on fuel prices, the cost of living, education and public services.
The protests were fueled by the French government's push for the 2027 budget proposal. Facing high public debt and a large fiscal deficit, the government plans to improve public finances through revenue increases and spending cuts.
The proposed measures have sparked public concern over purchasing power and possible impacts on public services. At the same time, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty in international energy markets are adding external pressure to the French economy.
"Personally, I haven't had much trouble, because I have a good job and my income covers my expenses. But for many people, this is indeed a problem. The war has certainly driven up the prices of certain resources, such as gasoline. For those who rely on their cars, the prices of all kinds of energy are rising," said a protester.
"This summer, on several occasions when I was considering whether to drive, I weighed it over and over and eventually gave up on the trip because I simply couldn't afford the fuel. And I'm not even particularly dependent on a car. I live in Paris and can use public transport. But for people living outside Paris who rely on their cars to get around, it's just too hard," said another protester.
"In any case, public services are already in dire straits. This is true for schools, hospitals, and the judicial system alike. For everyone, this is nothing short of a nightmare," said a protester.
Numerous attacks on public buildings, police stations and businesses were reported during the demonstrations.
A total of 2,397 people were arrested during the protests, which were marred by violence, according to figures released by the French Interior Ministry on Sunday. A total of 997 police officers and gendarmes were injured, seven of them seriously.
Protests over rising living costs, failing public services erupt across France
The deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and education scenarios stands out as one of the top attractions in the electronics and information products zone at the ongoing 140th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province.
Multiple firms are displaying AI education hardware and system solutions, as the industry speeds up its shift from selling individual products to building full ecosystems.
A Guangzhou tech company is showcasing an intelligent interactive blackboard. Its booth is frequently packed with overseas buyers exploring the functions of the product.
"The solid geometry module allows users to quickly create 3D shapes like cubes and cuboids. Sections may be inserted and moved to help students examine their structures," said engineer Cai Kaihong from the tech company.
The blackboard runs interactive teaching software supporting 13 languages including English, Japanese and Thai. The built-in AI can automatically generates courseware and in-class quizzes, and delivers virtual oral practice.
It also enables hybrid online-offline classes and live remote teaching. The device suits multilingual classrooms and remote teaching in rural areas, and has been exported and adopted as new teaching equipment in some overseas schools.
A tech firm from Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, premiers an AI psychological assessment robot at the fair. Driven by large model technology, it offers AI video consultations and psychological interviews, plus a new 30-second rapid video assessment tool.
"It uses optical technology to capture facial expressions in 30 seconds. Paired with AI algorithms, it quickly generates mental health reports to assist parents and teachers with psychological interventions," said Mei Chao, deputy head of the company.
With their advantages of intelligent interaction, high efficiency and convenience, various new AI products have attracted a large number of purchasers from the education and medical fields to come to inquire and experience them.
"It is the first time I come to the Canton Fair. I come here specifically for the AI section. The robots that I'm seeing here are just amazing, I think China is leading the world in this area," said Sam, a purchaser from Australia.
AI-powered education products showcased at Canton Fair
AI-powered education products showcased at Canton Fair
