Over 400,000 People Join Protests in France, with Nearly 1,000 Arrested

Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday to demonstrate against the rising cost of living, severe shortages of teachers, and underfunding of public services. According to the French Home Ministry, approximately 410,000 people rallied nationwide, including 110,000 in Paris, whereas the CGT trade union claimed the national turnout reached nearly 800,000 with 250,000 in the capital. The movement, which originated from high school protests over classroom staffing shortages, quickly expanded to include workers, professionals, students, and retirees nationwide.

Security forces implemented stringent measures to prevent a repetition of the violence, arson, and looting seen during demonstrations the previous week. Authorities deployed approximately 70,000 police officers and security personnel equipped with armoured vehicles, helicopters, and water cannons. In Paris, officials restricted the rally route to the southeastern outskirts, banning marches near central landmarks. Consequently, major cultural destinations like the Louvre and Orsay museums were forced to close, alongside at least 24 metro stations and numerous retail storefronts across the capital.

Despite the peaceful participation of most marchers in major cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux, and Toulouse, violence erupted toward the end of several events. Masked groups clashed with law enforcement, throwing fireworks and projectiles, while officers responded with tear gas and water cannons. Addressing the security situation, French Home Minister Laurent Nuñez stated, ‘About 1,000 people were detained in Saturday’s protests,’ contrasting this with the 385 arrests made the week before, while noting that total detentions could rise further.

The unrest extended beyond national borders, triggering solidarity rallies and security incidents in cities including Brussels, Tirana, Milan, Rome, and Naples. French authorities confirmed that business destruction remained lower than the prior week, but labour leaders insisted the struggle will continue until their economic and institutional demands are fully met. The CGT trade union has already issued a formal call for a new round of nationwide strikes and street demonstrations scheduled for November 5.

Source: Al Jazeera, AFP