A third weekend of protests in France as youth-led rallies sweep Europe
Summary
France saw a third consecutive weekend of protests over living costs, education and other grievances, with the government estimating that 320,000 people took part nationwide on Saturday. Most marches were peaceful, though earlier demonstrations had included riots and looting; youth-led rallies were also reported in Germany and Italy.Key Facts
- The French government estimated that 320,000 people protested nationwide on Saturday, down from 410,000 on Oct. 24 and more than 500,000 on Oct. 17.
- Organizers gave higher turnout estimates than the government.
- Authorities deployed about 70,000 police and gendarmes across France.
- Police moved the main Paris march to the city's edge; the Interior Ministry estimated that 70,000 people attended it.
- The protests began with high school students objecting to neglected school buildings, teacher shortages and an admissions system they viewed as unfair to disadvantaged students.
- Labor unions and other groups joined the demonstrations with demands that included concerns about living costs and fuel prices.
- Police imposed restrictions in parts of Paris, including overnight limits around Place de la République and Les Halles, and a separate curfew for unaccompanied minors near the Champs-Elysees.
- Authorities said previous protests were largely peaceful but included episodes of rioting and looting; police used tear gas, dispersion grenades and water cannons.
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