Crowds Return to French Streets in New Wave of Protests

Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of French cities on Saturday, continuing a wave of unrest that began in schools and has spread to the general population.

The movement started in mid-September when students aged 15 to 18 began protesting staff shortages, crumbling buildings, and overcrowded classrooms. The initial student grievances quickly attracted support from trade unions, teachers, and parents. By last weekend, the protests had escalated into one of France's most violent days in recent years, with public buildings burned, hundreds of shops looted, and at least 2,700 people arrested. This latest round of marches represents a renewed effort to pressure President Emmanuel Macron's government in the final months of his term.

Government estimates placed the nationwide turnout at a minimum of 400,000 people, although trade unions asserted the figure was double that amount. In Paris alone, at least 110,000 participants marched along the eastern edge of the city. The government deployed more than 70,000 police officers to manage the crowds, leading to board up shops and the closure of many museums. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that 135 individuals were arrested across the country. Police confiscated various items, including metal balls, lead pellets, fireworks, slingshots, steel balls, improvised weapons, a katana sword, and airsoft guns.

The atmosphere in Paris remained largely relaxed throughout the afternoon, with brass bands playing and families participating. However, tensions rose near the end of the route at Porte de Vincennes. Groups of masked men in black, who appeared distinct from the main peaceful crowd, threw glass bottles and stones at officers. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and stun grenades, while a bin was set alight. Similar clashes occurred in other cities, where tear gas was used in Lyon, Lille, Montpellier, Nantes, and Toulouse to keep protesters from city centers. In Marseille, bin fires were lit during the disturbances.

Demonstrators expressed frustration over heavy-handed policing and the high cost of living. Many criticized the government for banning non-union demonstrations deemed illegitimate and for keeping crowds away from central areas. Nadège, a 43-year-old communications worker, said she was teargassed at a peaceful demonstration the previous weekend. She stated, "In France, it's our legal right to protest in the street and I'm here to defend that." A 21-year-old student from a blockaded Paris science faculty described the situation as an authoritarian regime attempting to stop the democratic right to protest.

Jérôme Rodrigues, a key figure from the 2018-2019 gilets jaunes movement, said the government is afraid and pushing demonstrators to the city edges. He warned that demonstrations were likely to continue each weekend. In Orléans, thousands of people marched against a congress held by Marine Le Pen's National Rally party, shouting slogans such as "Macron, resign" and "Le Pen in prison."

Police investigations are currently underway following reports that some children and protesters were injured or maimed by explosive police weaponry. The next round of demonstrations is expected to take place this coming weekend, as unions and student groups maintain their presence in the streets.