Paris police in new battles with protesters and looters

French police battled protesters and looters for a second day Sunday as the country reeled from the violent chaos left by a day of cost-of-living demonstrations in which 2,000 people were arrested nationwide.

Paris city workers had not finished clearing up the torched cars, smashed shopfronts and burnt debris from Saturday’s unrest when the new troubles started and political recriminations erupted.

Agence France-Presse journalists said several hundred people gathered in Place de la Republique in the capital following social media calls for a gathering that authorities said had not been approved.

Television footage showed the looting of a clothing shop and bikes were also set alight nearby.