Protests over rising living costs flooded streets across France for a fourth straight weekend on Saturday. The Ministry of the Interior estimated that about 146,000 people rallied nationwide, including 46,000 in Paris. Trade unions put the total far higher, at 250,000, with 75,000 of them in the capital.
The latest demonstrations followed a rally organised by trade unions days earlier, which an estimated 575,000 people attended. Saturday’s turnout was lower than in previous weeks, but the anger toward the government remained visible.
Police deployment and clashes in Paris and Lyon
Around 70,000 security personnel were deployed across the country. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned that authorities would be “ready and waiting” for anyone involved in rioting or looting.
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Despite the smaller crowds, clashes broke out between police and some protesters in Paris. Footage posted online showed officers charging at demonstrators and firing tear gas to break up the crowds, and one officer was seen striking a protester with a baton.
Police said a group of 200 people attacked officers who were arresting a man accused of setting fire to a rubbish bin in a Paris square. In the southeastern city of Lyon, police used tear gas to disperse several hundred people who were blocking a road in the city centre during an unauthorised gathering.
Workers and students join the movement
The protests began in September over poor conditions and a lack of resources at French high schools. They later widened to include a range of grievances tied to declining living standards. The movement is still led by students, although people of all ages now take part.
Reporting from Paris, correspondent Natacha Butler said people in many different jobs attended Saturday’s marches in support of the student-led movement. She described speaking to a railway worker who told her it was “really important to be here today”.
Butler said trade unions, which she noted have been weakened in recent years, appear to feel a new sense of momentum. She said many workers she had spoken to see this as their moment to press the government for higher salaries and better facilities.
Melenchon presents programme before April election
The protests take place ahead of France’s presidential election, due to be held in April. Polls put far-right candidate Marine Le Pen of the National Rally in first place, followed by far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon of the France Unbowed party.
On Saturday, Melenchon unveiled his programme to around 17,000 supporters. He promised to do the opposite of incumbent President Emmanuel Macron.
He pledged to boost the economy by drawing on consumer spending and “through billions [of euros] that already exist”. He said these savings “must be channelled towards our country’s ecological and social needs”.
