PARIS – Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday, railing against high inflation, crumbling public schools and heavy handed police tactics.
Nationwide turnout estimates ranged from 400,000 according to government officials to 800,000 according to trade unions. Demonstrators in Paris and major regional cities carried banners declaring “Protesting Is Our Right” calling on President Emmanuel Macron’s administration to address economic hardship and restore funding to public services.
The movement began in September with high school student blockades over chronic teacher shortages and overcrowded classrooms. It quickly expanded to include parents, teachers, and major labor unions demanding action on the rising cost of living.
While early rallies remained peaceful, clashes erupted as masked groups threw stones, bottles, and fireworks at police lines in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse. Security forces countered with tear gas, water cannons, and stun grenades, arresting roughly 1,000 people across the country.
At least two people suffered severe injuries during the unrest, including a protester in Toulouse whose hand was maimed by an explosive police munition. More than 70,000 police officers were deployed nationwide, forcing shop owners to board up storefronts and leading several major museums to close.
Opposition leaders warned the unrest will continue unless the government shifts focus from police suppression to meaningful dialogue. Left-wing leader Jean Luc Mélenchon, who joined the Paris march urged Macron to meet public demands or face ongoing nationwide disruption.
