Another round of protests over living costs and education brought hundreds of thousands onto French streets on October 31. Authorities estimated attendance at 320,000 and reported more than 560 arrests. Most marches were peaceful, but clashes followed in Paris and other cities as a student-led movement continued to draw unions.
Hundreds of thousands protested over living costs and education across France on October 31, the third consecutive weekend of demonstrations. Authorities estimated attendance at 320,000, while organisers gave higher figures. Clashes followed marches in Paris and other cities. The government’s turnout estimate was below its figures for the previous two weekends, although the movement continued to attract large crowds.[1], [2]
Most demonstrations passed peacefully, with some participants in Halloween costumes. Authorities nevertheless reported more than 560 arrests nationwide by Saturday night. About 70,000 police and gendarmes had been deployed. In Paris, groups threw bottles and fireworks near Porte de Charenton, where the march ended on the city’s edge. Police used tear gas and stun grenades, and peaceful marchers turned back as the gas spread.[1]
The movement began last month with high school students protesting neglected buildings and a shortage of teachers. They also challenged a university admissions system regarded as unfair to disadvantaged applicants. Labour unions and groups with other grievances against President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership subsequently joined. In Paris, authorities rerouted the main march away from the centre to protect shops, government buildings and tourist areas.[1]
