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WORLDFrance 24

France: 110.000 protesters in Paris

Photo: France 24

Hundreds of demonstrations took place across France on Saturday over the rising cost of living, with security forces deployed in large numbers to prevent a repeat of the violence seen last weekend. While the marches themselves “passed off well” in several cities, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said members of “ultra-left” groups threw projectiles and fireworks at police in an attempt to provoke clashes. French Communist Party spokesperson Fatima Khallouk shares more details.

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WORLDThe Guardian

Brazilians vote in presidential election runoff pitting leftist Lula against far-right Bolsonaro

Incumbent president lost in first round to senator and son of convicted ex-president Brazilians are going to the polls on Sunday in a highly unpredictable runoff in which the leftist president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , is attempting an unprecedented comeback against the far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro , who won the first-round vote. Bolsonaro’s surprise victory despite not leading most polls made him the favourite three weeks ago, but since then Lula’s campaign has gained ground, and the two go into the contest virtually tied.

WORLDBBC News

Gabon says access to social media restored after eight-month ban

Gabon says it has lifted a ban on social media imposed eight months ago - a move that triggered widespread criticism at the time. The High Communication Authority (HAC) announced the U-turn on Saturday in a televised statement. The BBC has approached the country's media regulator for comment. The ban had been introduced on 17 February, with the HAC saying that online content was fuelling conflict and deepening divisions in the country.