Table of Contents
Police fired tear gas at protesters in Paris and Lyon as hundreds of thousands of mostly young people marched across France on Saturday to protest living costs and the state of schools. The demonstrations marked the third consecutive weekend of protests in the country.
Turnout and Clashes in Paris
A coalition of youth organisations and student unions stated that nearly half a million people participated nationwide, including 200,000 in Paris. Authorities estimated the nationwide turnout at 320,000, with 70,000 in the capital. The marches started peacefully but grew violent as crowds gathered near the end of the route, where bins and street furniture were set on fire.
As reported by Al Jazeera in Paris, police fired heavy tear gas into the crowd, prompting the reporting team to retreat due to breathing difficulties. Riot police broadcast warnings over loudspeakers demanding the streets be cleared, while medics treated injured individuals and some demonstrators held their hands up to signal they meant no harm.
The AFP news agency reported that dozens of masked individuals dressed in black used hammers to pull up paving stones and throw them at police on the outskirts of Paris. Security forces responded with tear gas and baton charges after at least one incendiary device was hurled at them.
The French Ministry of Interior reported that at least 290 people were arrested across the country.
Government Response and Security Measures
Al Jazeera reported that while most demonstrators condemned the violence, many expressed a loss of faith in the government. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu held several meetings with student unions during the week and is reviewing measures to alleviate living costs.
Authorities deployed about 70,000 police and gendarmes nationwide. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had warned of a very high risk of disorder, particularly following Halloween after dark. The primary Paris march was relocated to the eastern edge of the city following a court battle, and a 9pm curfew was imposed on unaccompanied minors around the Champs-Elysees.
The movement originated last month when high school students demonstrated against neglected school infrastructure, teacher shortages, and a university admissions system viewed as unfair to disadvantaged youth, with labour unions later joining the cause.
Rallies Spread Across Europe
Government estimates noted that an October 17 protest drew more than 500,000 people and triggered severe rioting and looting in Paris. Similar youth-led demonstrations have since spread to other European nations.
In Germany, young people joined the movement on Saturday under the alliance “Gen Z regelt,” translating to “Gen Z sorts this.” Organisers stated that 120,000 people demonstrated across German cities against rising living expenses, budget cuts, and higher defence spending. Frankfurt police reported violent riots, deploying water cannon and pepper spray as masked demonstrators looted shops, smashed windows, and threw Molotov cocktails at emergency services.
Police also used water cannon in Cologne and Hamburg, where officials stated organisers ended protests early due to participants pelting officers with stones and fireworks. Meanwhile, regional police in Barcelona maintained their highest alert level following earlier rioting, and Italian police remained on alert after clashes in Milan, Turin, and Bologna.
