Some 320,000 protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday in a third consecutive weekend of demonstrations over living costs and deteriorating public services, marking a decline from the 410,000 participants counted a week earlier. The government’s tally sits below the 500,000 demonstrators recorded on Oct. 17, according to some figures, while other government figures count 550,000 on that date, though organizers maintain that actual turnouts were significantly higher.
Police deploy 70,000 officers as Paris march reroutes
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez deployed roughly 70,000 police and gendarmes nationwide to manage the demonstrations, which have drawn youth and labor union members. In Paris, authorities forced the main march to the eastern outskirts of the capital following a court battle over security routes. About 70,000 people participated in the Paris march, setting off from Porte de Bagnolet near the ring road.
Police reported arresting more than 290 people across the country on Saturday. While interior officials characterized the daytime marches as largely orderly, authorities contended with what Nuñez termed “extraordinary” violence from radical elements. In Paris, police used tear gas and baton charges after masked individuals pried up paving stones near Porte de Charenton and hurled projectiles, including a Molotov cocktail at security forces.
Student protests expand into broader European demonstrations
The movement originated last month as high school students protested neglected buildings, teacher shortages, and university admissions systems. Labor unions and Yellow Vest participants have since joined the rallies with broader economic demands.
Similar youth-led demonstrations erupted in neighboring European nations. In Germany, an initiative called “Gen Z regelt” drew thousands of protesters to cities including Berlin and Cologne to demand education, health, and climate protection, alongside opposition to military conscription. German police deployed water cannons in Cologne to disperse crowds after participants hurled fireworks at the end of the rallies. Meanwhile, authorities in Spain and Italy maintained security alerts following calls to action circulating on TikTok, and calls to protest also circulated on TikTok in the Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions About The European Youth Protests
Why did the turnout drop compared to previous weekends?
Government estimates show nationwide turnout fell to 320,000 on Saturday, down from 410,000 on Oct. 24 and 500,000 or 550,000 on Oct. 17. Severe disruptions to public transport—including half-running trams and metros in Lyon and more than 40 closed metro stations in Paris—likely contributed to the lower participation.
What specific security measures were imposed in Paris?
Paris police rerouted the main march away from the city center to the eastern edge near Porte de Bagnolet. Authorities also banned entry to the Place de la République and Les Halles from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., while enforcing a 9 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors around the Champs-Élysées.
When is the next major demonstration planned?
Student organizations and labor unions intend to continue their mobilization. Sabrine Kharbach of the Union Étudiante said that protesters will join a demonstration called by workers and trade unions on Nov. 5.
Worth a look