Police clashed with demonstrators in Paris on Saturday as protests over rising living costs and school funding drew an estimated 410,000 people across France, intensifying pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government.
The largest demonstration took place in Paris, where the Interior Ministry estimated that approximately 110,000 people joined a march through the southeastern part of the capital. The procession began peacefully but ended in clashes near its final destination, as some demonstrators threw objects at police.
Officers responded with tear gas and water cannons in an attempt to disperse the crowds.
Arrests Reported Across the Country
Police deployed tear gas in several cities, including Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand and Strasbourg, while water cannons were used in Nice and Nantes, according to French media reports. In Marseille, officers used tear gas during clashes with several dozen people near the end of the march.
The Paris prosecutor’s office reported 64 arrests connected to Saturday’s demonstration, with 40 people placed in police custody. Six of those arrested were minors. Most cases involved suspected weapons offenses or participation in groups suspected of preparing violence or property damage.
Nationwide, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported nearly 1,000 arrests, with the total expected to rise as further information became available.
In Marseille, police estimated that 17,000 people participated, while the CGT trade union reported a much higher figure of 100,000. In Toulouse, authorities estimated attendance at 26,500.
Authorities also imposed restrictions or bans on demonstrations in several cities, including Lyon, Nice and Montpellier. Trade unions criticized the measures, arguing that they infringed on the constitutional right to freedom of expression and assembly.
70,000 Security Personnel Deployed
Ahead of the demonstrations, Interior Minister Nuñez announced that approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be deployed nationwide, supported by helicopters, armored vehicles and water cannons.
The extensive security operation was intended to prevent a repeat of the widespread rioting and looting that occurred during protests the previous weekend.
Protests Grow Into a National Movement
What began last month as a protest over staff shortages at a high school in southeastern Paris has expanded into a broader movement involving students, workers and trade unions.
Demonstrators are demanding better-funded schools, more teachers, improved public services, higher wages and pensions, and relief from the rising cost of living.
The unrest comes as Macron enters the final months of his presidency before France elects his successor in May 2027. The demonstrations represent a significant challenge for his government amid growing public frustration over living standards and the state of public services.
The far-right National Rally has criticized the government over public safety and urged voters to channel their dissatisfaction into electoral support for the party.
Despite the clashes, the scale of Saturday’s demonstrations underscored the breadth of public discontent. The government faces mounting pressure to address protesters’ demands while containing further unrest in the months leading up to the presidential election.
