France’s Interior Ministry announced that 410,000 people participated in Yellow Vest demonstrations across Paris and other French cities on Saturday.

The General Confederation of Labour (CGT), however, estimated turnout at approximately 800,000 nationwide, including 250,000 protesters in the capital.

The interior minister said that around 1,000 people had been arrested during the demonstrations, warning that the figure could rise.

The government deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes under heightened security measures following violence reported during protests on October 17.

Clashes erupted in Paris, while police used tear gas against crowds in Lyon as demonstrators protested rising living costs and demanded improvements to public services.