Nearly half a million people protested across France on Saturday, according to youth organisations and student unions, with around 200,000 participants in Paris alone. However, the authorities reported a lower figure of 320,000 nationwide, including 70,000 in the capital. This turnout represents a decline from the previous weekend, which saw 410,000 protesters take to the streets, including 110,000 in Paris.
Tensions escalated as clashes broke out in several cities, particularly Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, where protesters faced police who fired tear gas. In Paris, a small group of masked individuals vandalised property and hurled projectiles at police, prompting a strong response from law enforcement.
The protests were part of ongoing demonstrations against rising living costs and concerns regarding police violence. Although the protests were mostly peaceful, some incidents of violence were reported, notably in Marseille and Toulouse.
Authorities have deployed around 70,000 police personnel to mitigate potential unrest, particularly as Halloween festivities complicate tensions. Curfews will be in effect in certain areas of Paris to prevent further clashes.
Meanwhile, student unions have called for blockades at high schools and universities on Tuesday and Thursday, demanding reforms in the education system and improvements in learning conditions. The protests are set against a backdrop of a tense political environment, with elections approaching and increasing support for far-right parties in France.
