Hundreds of thousands of mostly young protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday in a third consecutive weekend of demonstrations focusing on living costs and education. The youth-led movement has drawn massive crowds and sparked similar rallies in other European nations including Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
France youth protests grip Paris and other cities
The French government estimated that 320,000 people protested nationwide on Saturday, showing a lower turnout compared to previous weekends. Mass protests on Oct. 17 drew more than 500,000 people and triggered severe rioting, while demonstrations on Oct. 24 brought out 410,000, according to government estimates. Organizers reported much higher numbers.
Authorities deployed about 70,000 police and gendarmes across the country. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned of a very high risk of disorder, particularly after dark on Halloween. Police recorded about 300 arrests nationwide by Saturday, a significant drop from the 800 arrests recorded at the same point during the previous weekend's demonstrations.
Rerouted marches and evening clashes
To prevent unrest near government buildings and tourist sites following a court battle, officials rerouted the main Paris march to the city's edge at Porte de Bagnolet. Thousands gathered behind student leaders holding hands, monitored by security agents from the CGT labor union.
- Corentin Cabreux, a 21-year-old student, described deplorable conditions in his state-run student residence, citing damp walls, peeling paint, cockroaches, and rats.
- President Emmanuel Macron ordered marches to stay out of city centers to protect shops, while police barred access to Place de la Republique and Les Halles.
- Unaccompanied minors faced a 9 p.m. curfew around the Champs-Elysees, though a Paris court suspended an earlier curfew on minors.
As dusk fell near Porte de Charenton, clashes erupted when protesters threw glass bottles and fireworks at police. Officers responded with tear gas and stun grenades, filling the streets with smoke.
Youth demonstrations spread across Europe
Beyond France, youth-led protests swept through other European countries on Saturday.
In Germany, an initiative called Gen Z regelt mobilized demonstrations in over 30 cities. In Berlin, young demonstrators gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to demand investments in education, housing, climate protection, and social services, while opposing any return of military conscription.
High school student Lara Breitenbach emphasized that young people are the ones who will live with these conditions the longest. Another student, Janelle Schulz, highlighted crumbling school infrastructure and teacher shortages. Meanwhile, German police utilized water cannons and tear gas in cities like Cologne, Hamburg, and Frankfurt following projectile and pyrotechnic attacks.
In Lisbon, Portugal, families and protesters rallied peacefully against the housing crisis holding placards reading "Houses or Fire." In The Hague, Netherlands, heavy police presence guarded the downtown shopping area after online protest appeals, leading to preemptive store board-ups but no major disturbances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the protests in France?
The rallies began last month as a high school student movement protesting neglected school buildings, teacher shortages, and an unfair university admissions system. Labor unions and citizens angry over living costs under President Emmanuel Macron later joined the demonstrations.
How many people participated in the Saturday protests in France?
The French government estimated that 320,000 people protested nationwide on Saturday, which included an estimated 70,000 participants in the main Paris march.
What were the main demands of the German protesters?
Organized by the initiative Gen Z regelt, German protesters demonstrated in more than 30 cities for education, health, climate protection, and affordable living, while also voicing opposition to the return of military conscription.