Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Saturday in the third consecutive weekend of nationwide demonstrations, protesting rising living costs, inequality and deteriorating conditions in schools and universities. Authorities estimated that around 320,000 people participated nationwide, including 70,000 in Paris, while youth organisations and student unions put the turnout closer to half a million.
The protests, initially driven largely by high school and university students concerned about neglected school buildings, teacher shortages and an admissions system seen as unfair to disadvantaged students, have expanded into a broader movement over the cost of living, housing, public services and the government’s policies. Trade unions and Yellow Vest activists have joined the student-led mobilisation.
Most demonstrations remained peaceful during the day, but tensions escalated in Paris and several other cities later in the evening. Police used tear gas in Paris, Lyon and Toulouse, while some masked protesters threw paving stones and other projectiles at security forces. Authorities also reported the use of an incendiary device and clashes involving small groups of rioters.
The Interior Ministry deployed about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country amid concerns that Halloween gatherings and masked participants could create additional security risks. Authorities said at least 290 people had been arrested during the demonstrations, with later reports putting the number of arrests above 560 as clashes continued.
The scale of Saturday’s mobilisation was nevertheless lower than in the previous two weekends. Government figures showed 410,000 protesters the previous weekend and 550,000 on October 17, when demonstrations were followed by widespread unrest, looting and damage to businesses and public buildings.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has held meetings with student representatives and said the government is examining measures to ease pressure on household budgets. But protesters say their concerns are not being adequately addressed, while student organisations have announced plans for further blockades of schools and universities in the coming week. A nationwide demonstration called by workers and trade unions is also planned for November 5.
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The protests come as France faces growing political and economic pressure, with presidential elections less than six months away and limited government room for additional spending amid concerns over economic growth and public debt.
