France sees third weekend of mass youth protests over living costs

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 18:56 · Archive

More than 320,000 people protested in France on Saturday over living costs, education and public services in the third consecutive weekend of demonstrations.

France saw its third straight weekend of protests on Saturday as young people took to the streets over the rising cost of living, education and public services. The French Interior Ministry estimated that 320,000 people participated in rallies nationwide, whilst youth organisations put the figure at nearly 500,000. Around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed across the country, with march routes in the capital redirected away from central areas and government buildings.

Most demonstrations remained largely peaceful. However, clashes erupted in Paris near Porte de Charenton, where some demonstrators threw paving stones and a Molotov cocktail at police. Officers responded with tear gas and baton charges, and a nearby car was set on fire. Authorities reported more than 770 arrests nationwide.

Students involved in the protests denounced what they described as the government's dismissive attitude towards young people and defended their right to protest peacefully. The movement began as a protest over underfunded schools and teacher shortages but has since grown into a broader movement over purchasing power and young people's prospects.

How it is being reported

• Clashes in Paris as France’s youth protests over cost of livingFrance faces a third weekend of mass youth protests over living costs, education and public services, with clashes erupting in Paris.Euronews · 1 Nov, 17:41
• France reports largely peaceful protestsFrance sees third consecutive weekend of protests over living costs and education, with more than 320,000 people taking to the streets. Most demonstrations remained peaceful, although police used tear gas to disperse clashes. Authorities reported more than 770 arrests nationwide. France24 journalist Jamie Smith-Maillet shares further insights.France 24 · 1 Nov, 15:50

In this story: France · Paris · Porte de Charenton

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